Antimicrobial compositions and methods

ABSTRACT

Antimicrobial compositions, especially those useful when applied topically, particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e., mucous membranes), including, in particular, an antimicrobial lipid component, such as a fatty acid ester, fatty ether, or alkoxide derivative thereof. The compositions can also include an enhancer component, a surfactant, a hydrophobic component, and/or a hydrophilic component. Such compositions provide effective topical antimicrobial activity and are accordingly useful in the treatment and/or prevention of conditions that are caused, or aggravated by, microorganisms (including viruses).

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/659,571, filed on Sep. 9, 2003, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The use of antimicrobial agents (e.g., antibiotics, antiseptics) playsan important part in current medical therapy. This is particularly truein the fields of dermatology as well as skin and wound antisepsis, wherethe most effective course of treatment for skin or mucous membranes(e.g., as in the nasal cavities and in particular the anterior nares),which are afflicted with bacterial, fungal, or viral infections orlesions, frequently includes the use of a topical antimicrobial agent.For decades medicine has relied primarily upon antibiotics to fightsystemic as well as topical infections. For example, bacitracin,neomycin sulfate, polymyxin B sulfate, gentamicin,framycetin-gramicidin, lysostaphin, methicillin, rifampin, tobramycin,nystatin, mupirocin, and combinations thereof, as well as many others,have been used with varying success.

Antibiotics are generally effective at very low levels and are oftensafe with very few, if any, side effects. Often antibiotics have littleor no toxicity to mammalian cells. Thus, they may not retard, and caneven enhance, wound healing. Antibiotics are generally of a narrowspectrum of antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, they often act on veryspecific sites in cell membranes or on very specific metabolic pathways.This can tend to make it relatively easy for bacteria to developresistance to the antibiotic(s) (i.e., the genetically acquired abilityto tolerate much higher concentrations of antibiotic) either throughnatural selection, transmission of plasmids encoding resistance,mutation, or by other means.

For example, there are multiple reports of resistance to mupirocin whenused as a nasal decolonizing agent. Resistance rates have been reportedas high as 25% and even as high as 50% (see, for example, E. Perez-Rothet al., Diag. Micro. Infect. Dis., 43:123-128 (2002) and H. Watanabe etal., J. Clin. Micro., 39(10): 3775-3777 (2001)). Even though presurgicaldecolonization of the anterior nares using mupirocin has been shown todecrease the risk of surgical site infection by as much as 2 to 10 times(T. Perl et al., Ann. Pharmacother., 32:S7-S16 (1998)), the highresistance rates to this antibiotic make it unsuitable for routine use.Not only does resistance eliminate the ability of a medication to treatan affliction, but it can also put the patient at further risk,especially if the antibiotic is one that is routinely used systemically.

Antiseptics, on the other hand, tend to have broader spectrum ofantimicrobial activity and often act by nonspecific means such asdisruption of cell membranes, oxidation of cellular components,denaturation of proteins, etc. This nonspecific activity makes itdifficult for resistance to develop to antiseptics. For example, thereare very few reports of true resistance to antiseptics such as iodine,lower alcohols (ethanol, propanol, etc.), chlorhexidine, quaternaryamine surfactants, chlorinated phenols, and the like. These compounds,however, need to be used at concentrations that often result inirritation or tissue damage, especially if applied repeatedly.Furthermore, unlike antibiotics, many antiseptics are not active in thepresence of high levels of organic compounds. For example, formulationscontaining iodine or quaternary ammonium compounds have been reported tobe inactivated by the presence of organic matter such as that in nasalor vaginal secretions, and perhaps even on skin.

Many antiseptic compounds are viewed as irritants. For example,compositions containing iodine and/or chlorhexidine have been reportedto cause skin irritation. Mucosal tissues, such as the anterior nares,nasal, and esophageal cavities, which can have a high level of microbialcolonization in certain otherwise healthy individuals, as well asindividuals with infectious diseases such as chronic sinusitis, may beparticularly sensitive to irritation. Additionally, due to theirritating nature many of these compounds may be unsuitable forapplication to irritated or infected dermal tissue to treat skinconditions, such as lesions from impetigo and shingles.

Also, for certain applications, especially in the nose and mouth, it isparticularly desirable for the compositions to have little or no color,little or no odor, and an acceptable taste. This is not the case formany antiseptics such as iodine and iodophors, which have an orange tobrown color and a definite odor.

Some conventional antimicrobial compositions have used variouscarboxylic acids or fatty acids for the suppression of fungi, bacteria,molds, and the like. These compositions vary widely in their efficacy,stability, and levels of persistence. Plus, they possess an even widervariety of side effects. For example, many of these materials are viewedas irritants, particularly the C8-C12 fatty acids. This is particularlytrue for sensitive mucosal tissues, such as the anterior nares and nasalcavities, which can have a generally high level of microbialcolonization in certain otherwise healthy individuals, as well asindividuals with infectious diseases such as chronic siniusitis.Additionally, due to the irritating nature many of these agents would beunsuitable for application to irritated or infected dermal tissue suchas lesions from impetigo and shingles or sensitive tissues such as thenasal cavities and especially the anterior nares.

Also, many conventional antimicrobial compositions are too low inviscosity and/or too hydrophilic in nature to maintain sufficientsubstantivity and persistence to provide sufficient antimicrobialactivity on moist tissue, such as the anterior nares or open, exuding,or infected lesions, and the like.

Thus, there is still a need for additional antimicrobial compositions.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides antimicrobial compositions and methods ofusing and making the compositions. Such compositions are typicallyuseful when applied topically, particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e.,mucous membranes), although a wide variety of surfaces can be treated.They can provide effective reduction, prevention, or elimination ofmicrobes, particularly bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Preferably, themicrobes are of a relatively wide variety such that the compositions ofthe present invention have a broad spectrum of activity.

Compositions of the present invention provide effective topicalantimicrobial activity and are accordingly useful in the local treatmentand/or prevention of conditions that are caused, or aggravated by,microorganisms (including viruses, bacteria, fungi, mycoplasma, andprotozoa) on various mammalian tissues, particularly skin, wounds,and/or mucous membranes.

Significantly, certain embodiments of the present invention have a verylow potential for generating microbial resistance. Thus, suchcompositions can be applied multiple times over one or more days totreat topical infections or to eradicate unwanted bacteria (such asnasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus). Furthermore, compositionsof the present invention can be used for multiple treatment regimens onthe same patient without the fear of generating antimicrobialresistance. This can be particularly important for chronically illpatients who are in need of decolonization of the anterior nares beforehemodialysis, for example, or for antiseptic treatment of chronic woundssuch as diabetic foot ulcers.

Also, preferred compositions of the present invention have a generallylow irritation level for skin, skin lesions, and mucosal membranes(including the anterior nares, nasal cavities, and nasopharangylcavity). Also, certain preferred compositions of the present inventionare substantive for relatively long periods of time to ensure adequateefficacy.

Compositions of the present invention include an antimicrobial lipidcomponent. In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial lipid (i.e.,antimicrobial lipid component) preferably has a solubility in water ofat least 100 micrograms (μg) per 100 grams (g) deionized water and atmost 1 g/100 g deionized water. In certain embodiments, theantimicrobial lipid component includes a fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, alkoxylatedderivatives thereof (of either the ester or ether), or combinationsthereof.

Certain compositions further include an enhancer component (i.e., anenhancer). Other components that can be included as well aresurfactants, hydrophilic components, and hydrophobic components.Compositions with hydrophobic components are typically used on mammaliantissues (particularly, skin, mucosal tissue, wounds and medical devicesthat come in contact with such surfaces, whereas compositions withhydrophilic components are typically used on these surfaces as well asother hard surfaces (e.g., floor tiles).

Importantly, compositions of the present invention are capable ofdestroying microorganisms on or in mammalian tissue. Therefore,concentrations of components employed are generally greater than thosethat have been used to simply preserve certain topically appliedcompositions, i.e., prevent the growth of microorganism in topicalcompositions for purposes other than antisepsis. Depending on theapplication, many of these compounds at these concentrations can beirritating if delivered in simple aqueous or hydrophilic vehicleformulations. Many of the compositions of the present inventionincorporate a substantial amount of a lipophilic or hydrophobic phase.The lipophilic phase is comprised of one or more water insolublecomponents. If delivered in a lipophilic phase, the irritation can besignificantly reduced. The incorporation of the lipophilic phase maysignificantly reduce the irritation potential of the presentcompositions. Preferred lipophilic phase components have a solubility inwater of less than 0.5% by weight and often less than 0.1% by weight. Inaddition, the antimicrobial lipid is preferably present at aconcentration approaching or preferably exceeding the solubility limitof the lipophilic phase.

Importantly, certain compositions of the present invention havesufficient viscosity to prevent inhalation into the lungs if used in thenose for applications such as nasal decolonization. The relatively highviscosity of certain compositions of the present invention also reducesmigration that can be associated with other compositions, thus reducingirritation and mess. Despite the presence of the hydrophobic phase,compositions of the present invention exhibit very effective and rapidantimicrobial activity.

In addition, antimicrobial compositions that include hydrophiliccomponents such as polyols (e.g., glycerin and polyethylene glycols)that themselves have little or no antimicrobial activity canconsiderably enhance the antimicrobial activity of the compositions.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer component thatincludes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent,a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; a hydrophilic component; and a hydrophobic component; whereinthe hydrophobic component forms the greatest portion of the composition.Preferably, water is present in less than 10 percent by weight (wt-%).

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: 0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-% of an antimicrobiallipid component that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; 0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-% of an enhancer component thatincludes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent,a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid,(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; 0.1 wt-% to 10 wt-% of a surfactant distinct fromthe antimicrobial lipid component; 1 wt-% to 40 wt-% of a hydrophiliccomponent; 50 wt-% to 95 wt-% of a hydrophobic component; and less than10 wt-% water.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer component thatincludes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent,a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; and a hydrophilic component; wherein the viscosity of thecomposition is at least 500 Centipoise (cps).

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer component thatincludes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent,a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; a hydrophilic component; a hydrophobic component; and lessthan 10 wt-% water; wherein the hydrophilic component forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the ethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the ethersinclude monoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; an effectiveamount of an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, and combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the ethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the ethersinclude monoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; an effectiveamount of an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophiliccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition; whereinthe viscosity of the composition is at least 500 cps.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidhaving a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized waterand at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; an effective amount of anenhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from theantimicrobial lipid component; a hydrophilic component; and ahydrophobic component which forms the greatest portion of thecomposition.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent having a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 gdeionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; an effectiveamount of an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophiliccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition; whereinthe viscosity of the composition is at least 500 cps.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a delivery system foran antimicrobial component (e.g., antiseptic component) including ahydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein thecomposition has a viscosity of at least 500 cps, and further wherein thehydrophobic component forms the greatest portion of the composition byweight. In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides adelivery system for an antimicrobial component (e.g., antisepticcomponent) including a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component,and a surfactant, wherein the hydrophobic component forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight. In certain embodiments, suchdelivery systems can include an antimicrobial lipid component (and/orother antiseptics).

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method fordelivering an antimicrobial component (e.g., antiseptic component), themethod includes applying to a surface a composition that includes ahydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein thecomposition has a viscosity of at least 500 cps, and further wherein thehydrophobic component forms the greatest portion of the composition byweight. In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides amethod for delivering an antimicrobial component (e.g., antisepticcomponent), the method includes applying to a surface a composition thatincludes a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and asurfactant, wherein the hydrophobic component forms the greatest portionof the composition by weight. In certain embodiments, such deliverysystems can include an antimicrobial lipid component (and/or otherantiseptics).

Preferably, the antimicrobial lipid component is present in an amount ofat least 0.1 wt-%. Unless otherwise specified, all weight percents arebased on the total weight of a “ready to use” or “as used” composition.Preferably, if the antimicrobial lipid component includes a monoester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a monoether of a polyhydric alcohol, or analkoxylated derivative thereof, then there is no more than 50 wt-%, morepreferably no more than 40 wt-%, even more preferably no more than 25wt-%, and even more preferably no more than 15 wt-% of a diester,diether, triester, triether, or alkoxylated derivative thereof present,based on the total weight of the antimicrobial lipid component.

Preferably, the antimicrobial lipid component includes glycerolmonolaurate, glycerol monocaprate, glycerol monocaprylate, propyleneglycol monolaurate, propylene glycol monocaprate, propylene glycolmonocaprylate, and combinations thereof.

In certain embodiments, the enhancer component preferably includes acarboxylic acid. In certain embodiments, the enhancer componentpreferably includes an alpha-hydroxy acid. In certain embodiments, theenhancer component preferably includes benzoic acid. In certainembodiments, the enhancer component preferably includes a chelator. Incertain embodiments, the enhancer component preferably includes EDTA andits salts.

Preferably, the surfactant includes a sulfonate, a sulfate, aphosphonate, a phosphate, a poloxamer, a cationic surfactant, ormixtures thereof.

Preferably, the hydrophilic component includes a glycol, a lower alcoholether, a short chain ester, and combinations thereof, wherein thehydrophilic component is soluble in water in an amount of at least 20wt-% at 23° C.

The present invention also provides various methods of use ofcompositions of the present invention. In one embodiment, the presentinvention provides a method of preventing and/or treating an afflictioncaused, or aggravated by, a microorganism on mammalian tissue,particularly skin and/or a mucous membrane. The method includescontacting the mammalian tissue, particularly skin and/or mucousmembrane, with an antimicrobial composition of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms. The method includescontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withan antimicrobial composition of the present invention in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms. The method includescontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withan antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition includes: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component that includes a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; optionally, an effective amount of an enhancercomponent that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, achelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof; a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight; and optionally, ahydrophilic component.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, the method includingcontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withan antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition includes: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component having a solubilityin water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized water and at most 1 g/100 gdeionized water; and a hydrophobic component which forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms. The method includes contacting the esophageal cavitywith an antimicrobial composition of the present invention in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissue in thethroat.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms. The method includes contacting the oral cavity, nasalcavity, or both with an antimicrobial composition of the presentinvention in an amount effective to allow a sufficient quantity of thecomposition to pass down the throat to reduce or eliminate bacterialcolonization in or on the tissue in the throat.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the oral cavity of a subject ofmicroorganisms. The method includes contacting the oral cavity with anantimicrobial composition of the present invention in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating amiddle ear infection in a subject. The method includes contacting themiddle ear, Eustachian tube, and/or tympanic membrane with anantimicrobial composition that includes: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters include monoesters and theethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the esters includemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers includemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; and an effective amountof an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof. An alternativecomposition for treating a middle ear infection includes an effectiveamount of an antimicrobial lipid component, optionally an effectiveamount of an enhancer component, and a hydrophobic component which formsthe greatest portion of the composition by weight (i.e., the hydrophobiccomponent forms a vehicle for the active agent(s)). In certainembodiments, the hydrophobic component can be the same as theantimicrobial lipid.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating amiddle ear infection in a subject, the method including contacting themiddle ear, tympanic membrane, and/or Eustachian tube with anantimicrobial composition that includes: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component having a solubility in water of at least100 μg/100 g deionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; andan effective amount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxyacid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylicacid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid,a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treatingchronic sinusitis in a subject. The method includes contacting at leasta portion of the respiratory system (particularly the upper respiratorysystem including the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx)with an antimicrobial composition that includes: an effective amount ofan antimicrobial lipid component that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters include monoesters and theethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the esters includemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers includemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; and an effective amountof an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof. Preferably, thecomposition includes less than 0.50 percent by weight (C6-C18)fattyacid. An alternative composition for treating chronic sinusitis includesan effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component, optionally aneffective amount of an enhancer component, and a hydrophobic component,which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight. Yetanother composition includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobiallipid component having a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 gdeionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treatingimpetigo on the skin of a subject. The method includes contacting theaffected area with an antimicrobial composition that includes: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component that includes a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer component thatincludes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent,a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof. Preferably, the composition includes a hydrophiliccomponent and the viscosity of the composition is less than 500 cps. Analternative composition for treating impetigo includes an effectiveamount of an antimicrobial lipid component, optionally an effectiveamount of an enhancer component, and a hydrophobic component, whichforms the greatest portion of the composition by weight. Yet anothercomposition for treating impetigo includes: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component having a solubility in water of at least100 μg/100 g deionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; andan effective amount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxyacid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylicacid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid,a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treatingand/or preventing an infection on mammalian tissue (particularly, theskin, mucosal tissue, and/or wound) of a subject. The method includescontacting the mammalian tissue (particularly, skin, mucosal tissue,and/or wound) with an antimicrobial composition in an amount effectiveto kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms, wherein theantimicrobial composition includes: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters include monoesters and theethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the esters includemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers includemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; an effective amount of anenhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof; a hydrophilic component or a surfactantor both; and a hydrophobic component which forms the greatest portion ofthe composition by weight. An alternative composition for treatingand/or preventing an infection on mammalian tissue (particularly, theskin, mucosal tissue, and/or wound) of a subject includes an effectiveamount of an antimicrobial lipid component, optionally an effectiveamount of an enhancer component, and a hydrophobic component which formsthe greatest portion of the composition by weight.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of treating aburn. The method includes contacting the burned area of a subject withan antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill orinactivate one or more microorganisms, wherein the antimicrobialcomposition includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentthat includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof. An alternative composition for treating burnsincludes an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component,optionally an effective amount of an enhancer component, and ahydrophobic component which forms the greatest portion of thecomposition by weight.

In other embodiments, the present invention provides methods for killingor inactivating microorganisms. Herein, to “kill or inactivate” means torender the microorganism ineffective by killing them (e.g., bacteria andfungi) or otherwise rendering them inactive (e.g., viruses). The presentinvention provides methods for killing bacteria such as Staphylococcusspp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp.,Pseudamonas spp. bacteria and combinations thereof, and moreparticularly Staphylococcus aureus (including antibiotic resistantstrains such as methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus),Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Pseudomonasaeruginosa (Pseudomonas ae.), Streptococcus pyogenes, and combinationsthereof which often are on or in the skin or mucosal tissue of asubject. The method includes contacting the microorganism with anantimicrobial composition of the present invention in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms (e.g., bacteria and fungi)or inactivate one or more microorganisms (e.g., viruses, particularlyherpes virus).

For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a methodof killing or inactivating microorganisms on mammalian tissue(particularly, the skin, mucosal tissue, and/or in a wound) of asubject. The method includes contacting the affected area with anantimicrobial composition that includes: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters include monoesters and theethers include monoethers, and for sucrose the esters includemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers includemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; and an effective amountof an enhancer component that includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof; and optionally ahydrophilic component, wherein the viscosity of the composition is atleast 500 cps. An alternative composition for killing or inactivatingmicroorganisms on mammalian tissue (particularly, the skin, mucosaltissue, and/or in a wound) of a subject includes an effective amount ofan antimicrobial lipid component, optionally, an effective amount of anenhancer component, and a hydrophobic component which forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight.

The compositions of the present invention can also be used for providingresidual antimicrobial efficacy on a surface that results from leaving aresidue or imparting a condition to the surface (e.g., skin, anteriornares, mucosal tissue, wound, or medical device that comes in contactwith such tissues (i.e., mammalian tissues), but particularly skin,mucosal tissue, and/or wound) that remains effective and providessignificant antimicrobial activity.

For example, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a methodof providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on mammalian tissue(particularly, the skin, mucosal tissue, anterior nares, and/or in awound) of a subject, the method includes contacting the mammalian tissue(typically, skin, mucosal tissue, and/or wound) with an antimicrobialcomposition that includes: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent that includes a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters include monoesters and the ethers includemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters include monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers include monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentthat includes an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; and a surfactant and/or a hydrophilic component.An alternative composition for providing residual antimicrobial efficacyincludes an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component, aneffective amount of an enhancer component, and a hydrophobic componentwhich forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides methods ofpreventing and/or treating a subject for a common cold and/orrespiratory affliction caused by a microbial infection. The methodincludes contacting the subject with a composition of the presentinvention in at least a portion of the subject's respiratory system(such as but not limited to, at least a portion of the nasal cavities,etc.) in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one or moremicroorganisms that cause a common cold and/or respiratory affliction.An exemplary antimicrobial composition for use in this method includesan effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component and an effectiveamount of an enhancer component.

Methods of manufacture are also provided.

Definitions

The following terms are used herein according to the followingdefinitions.

“Effective amount” means the amount of the antimicrobial lipid componentand/or the enhancer component when in a composition, as a whole,provides an antimicrobial (including, for example, antiviral,antibacterial, or antifungal) activity that reduces, prevents, oreliminates one or more species of microbes such that an acceptable levelof the microbe results. Typically, this is a level low enough not tocause clinical symptoms, and is desirably a non-detectable level. Itshould be understood that in the compositions of the present invention,the concentrations or amounts of the components, when consideredseparately, may not kill to an acceptable level, or may not kill asbroad a spectrum of undesired microorganisms, or may not kill as fast;however, when used together such components provide an enhanced(preferably synergistic) antimicrobial activity (as compared to the samecomponents used alone under the same conditions).

It should be understood that (unless otherwise specified) the listedconcentrations of all components are for “ready to use” or “as used”compositions. The compositions can be in a concentrated form. That is,certain embodiments of the compositions can be in the form ofconcentrates that would be diluted by the user with an appropriatevehicle.

“Hydrophilic” refers to a material that will dissolve or disperse inwater (or other aqueous solution as specified) at a temperature of 23°C. in an amount of at least 7% by weight, preferably at least 10% byweight, more preferably at least 20% by weight, even more preferably atleast 25% by weight, even more preferably at least 30% by weight, andmost preferably at least 40% by weight, based on the total weight of thehydrophilic material and the water. The component is considereddissolved if after thoroughly mixing the compound with water at 60° C.for at least 4 hours and allowing this to cool to 23-25° C. for 24hours, and mixing the composition thoroughly it appears uniform clearsolution without visible cloudiness, phase separation, or precipitate ina jar having a path length of 4 cm. Typically, when placed in 1×1 cmcell, the sample exhibits greater than 70% transmission measured in asuitable spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 655 nm. Water dispersiblehydrophilic materials disperse in water to form uniform cloudydispersions after vigorous shaking of a 5% by weight mixture of thehydrophilic component in water. Preferred hydrophilic components arewater-soluble.

“Hydrophobic” or “water-insoluble” refers to a material that will notsignificantly dissolve in water at 23° C. No significant amount meansless than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, morepreferably less than 0.5% by weight, and even more preferably less than0.1% by weight, based on the total weight of the hydrophobic materialand the water. Solubility can be determined by thoroughly mixing thecompound with water at the appropriate concentration at 23° C. for atleast 24 hours (or at elevated temperature if that is necessary todissolve the compound), allowing this to sit at 23-25° C. for 24 hours,and observing the sample. In a glass jar with a 4-cm path length thesample should have evidence of a second phase, which can be liquid orsolid and may be separated on the top, bottom, or distributed throughoutthe sample. For crystalline compounds care should be taken to avoidproducing a supersaturated solution. The components should be mixed andobserved. Cloudiness or presence of a visible precipitate or separatephase indicates that the solubility limit has been exceeded. Typically,when placed in 1×1 cm cell the sample has less than 70% transmissionmeasured in a suitable spectrophotometer at a wavelength of 655 nm. Forsolubility determinations less than that which can be observed with thenaked eye the solubility is determined using radiolabeled compounds asdescribed under “Conventional Solubility Estimations in Solubility ofLong-Chain Fatty Acids in Phosphate Buffer at pH 7.4,” Henrik Vorum, etal. in Biochimica et. Biophysica Acta, 1126, 135-142 (1992).

“Stable” means physically stable or chemically stable, which are bothdefined in greater detail below.

“Enhancer” means a component that enhances the effectiveness of theantimicrobial lipid component such that when the composition less theantimicrobial lipid component and the composition less the enhancercomponent are used separately, they do not provide the same level ofantimicrobial activity as the composition as a whole. For example, anenhancer component in the absence of the antimicrobial lipid componentmay not provide any appreciable antimicrobial activity. The enhancingeffect can be with respect to the level of kill, the speed of kill,and/or the spectrum of microorganisms killed, and may not be seen forall microorganisms. In fact, an enhanced level of kill is most oftenseen in Gram negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli. An enhancer maybe a synergist such that when combined with the remainder of thecomposition, the composition as a whole displays an activity that isgreater than the sum of the activity of the composition less theenhancer component and the composition less the antimicrobial lipidcomponent.

“Microorganism” or “microbe” or “microorganism” refers to bacteria,yeast, mold, fungi, protozoa, mycoplasma, as well as viruses (includinglipid enveloped RNA and DNA viruses).

“Antibiotic” means an organic chemical produced by microorganisms thathas the ability in dilute concentrations to destroy or inhibitmicroorganisms and is used to treat infectious disease. This may alsoencompass semi-synthetic compounds that are chemical derivatives of thecompound produced by microorganisms or synthetic compounds that act onvery specific biochemical pathways necessary for the cell's survival.

“Antiseptic” means a chemical agent that kills pathogenic andnon-pathogenic microorganisms. Preferred antiseptics exhibit at least a4 log reduction of both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus in 60 minutes froman initial inoculum of 1-3×10⁷ cfu/ml when tested in Mueller Hintonbroth at 35° C. at a concentration of 0.25 wt-% in a Rate of Kill assayusing an appropriate neutralizer as described in “The AntimicrobialActivity in vitro of chlorhexidine, a mixture of isothiazolinones(Kathon CG) and cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB),” G. Nicolettiet al., Journal of Hospital Infection, 23, 87-111 (1993). Antisepticsgenerally interfere more broadly with the cellular metabolism and/or thecell envelope.

“Mucous membranes,” “mucosal membranes,” and “mucosal tissue” are usedinterchangeably and refer to the surfaces of the nasal (includinganterior nares, nasoparangyl cavity, etc.), oral (e.g., mouth), outerear, middle ear, vaginal cavities, and other similar tissues. Examplesinclude mucosal membranes such as buccal, gingival, nasal, ocular,tracheal, bronchial, gastrointestinal, rectal, urethral, ureteral,vaginal, cervical, and uterine mucosal membranes.

“Antimicrobial lipid” means an antiseptic that preferably has asolubility in water of no greater than 1.0 gram per 100 grams (1.0 g/100g) deionized water. Preferred antimicrobial lipids have a solubility inwater of no greater than 0.5 g/100 g deionized water, more preferably,no greater than 0.25 g/100 g deionized water, and even more preferably,no greater than 0.10 g/100 g deionized water. Solubilities aredetermined using radiolabeled compounds as described under “ConventionalSolubility Estimations” in Solubility of Long-Chain Fatty Acids inPhosphate Buffer at pH 7.4, Henrik Vorum et al., in Biochimica et.Biophysica Acta., 1126, 135-142 (1992). Preferred antimicrobial lipidshave a solubility in deionized water of at least 100 micrograms (μg) per100 grams deionized water, more preferably, at least 500 μg/100 gdeionized water, and even more preferably, at least 1000 μg/100 gdeionized water. The antimicrobial lipids preferably have ahydrophile/lipophile balance (HLB) of at most 6.2, more preferably atmost 5.8, and even more preferably at most 5.5. The antimicrobial lipidspreferably have an HLB of at least 3, preferably at least 3.2, and evenmore preferably at least 3.4.

“Fatty” as used herein refers to a straight or branched chain alkyl oralkylene moiety having 6 to 14 (odd or even number) carbon atoms, unlessotherwise specified.

“Affliction” means a condition to a body resulting from sickness,disease, injury, bacterial colonization, etc.

“Treat” or “treatment” means to improve the condition of a subjectrelative to the affliction, typically in terms of clinical symptoms ofthe condition.

“Decolonization” refers to a reduction in the number of microorganisms(e.g., bacteria and fungi) present in or on tissue that do notnecessarily cause immediate clinical symptoms. Examples ofdecolonization include, but are not limited to, decolonization of thenasal cavity and wounds. Ordinarily fewer microorganisms are present incolonized tissue than in infected tissue. When the tissue is completelydeconolonized the microorganisms have been “eradicated.”

“Subject” and “patient” includes humans, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs,dogs, cats, rats, mice, or other mammal.

“Wound” refers to an injury to a subject which involves a break in thenormal skin barrier exposing tissue below, which is caused by, forexample, lacerations, surgery, burns, damage to underlying tissue suchas pressure sores, poor circulation, and the like. Wounds are understoodto include both acute and chronic wounds.

The terms “comprises” and variations thereof do not have a limitingmeaning where these terms appear in the description and claims.

As used herein, “a,” “an,” “the,” “at least one,” and “one or more” areused interchangeably. The term “and/or” means one or all of the listedelements (e.g., preventing and/or treating an affliction meanspreventing, treating, or both treating and preventing furtherafflications).

Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints includeall numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2,2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describeeach disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the presentinvention. The description that follows more particularly exemplifiesillustrative embodiments. In several places throughout the application,guidance is provided through lists of examples, which examples can beused in various combinations. In each instance, the recited list servesonly as a representative group and should not be interpreted as anexclusive list.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

The present invention provides antimicrobial (including, e.g.,antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal) compositions. Thesecompositions include one or more antimicrobial lipids, such as, forexample, a fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, or alkoxylated derivatives thereof (of either theester or ether). In certain embodiments the compositions also includeone or more enhancers. Certain compositions also include one or moresurfactants, one or more hydrophilic compounds, and/or one or morehydrophobic compounds. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobic componentcan be the same as the antimicrobial lipid component.

Such compositions adhere well to bodily tissues (i.e., mammalian tissuessuch as skin, mucosal tissue, and wounds) and thus are very effectivetopically. Thus, the present invention provides a wide variety of usesof the compositions. Particularly preferred methods involve topicalapplication, particularly to mucosal tissues (i.e., mucous membranesincluding the anterior nares and other tissues of the upper respiratorytract), as well as skin (e.g., skin lesions) and wounds. Herein, suchtissues are preferred examples of mammalian tissues.

For certain applications in which limited antimicrobial activity isdesired, compositions containing an antimicrobial lipid component can beused, whereas in other applications in which more broad antimicrobialactivity is desired, compositions containing both an antimicrobial lipidcomponent and an enhancer component are used. For example, in certainsituations it may be desirable to kill or inactivate only one type orclass of microorganism (e.g., Gram positive) as opposed to all themicroorganisms present. In such situations, compositions of the presentinvention that contain an antimicrobial lipid component without anenhancer component may be suitable.

Compositions of the present invention can be used to provide effectivetopical antimicrobial activity. For example, they can be used for handdisinfection, particularly in presurgical scrubs. They can be used todisinfect various body parts, particularly in patient presurgical skinantiseptics.

Compositions of the present invention can be used to provide effectivetopical antimicrobial activity and thereby treat and/or prevent a widevariety of afflications. For example, they can be used in the treatmentand/or prevention of afflictions that are caused, or aggravated by,microorganisms (e.g., Gram positive bacteria, Gram negative bacteria,fungi, protozoa, mycoplasma, yeast, viruses, and even lipid-envelopedviruses) on skin and/or mucous membranes, such as those in the nose(anterial nares, nasopharangyl cavity, nasal cavities, etc.), outer ear,and middle ear, mouth, rectum, vagina, or other similar tissues.Particularly relevant organisms that cause or aggravate suchafflications include Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp.,Pseudomonas spp., Enterococcus spp., and Esherichia spp., bacteria, aswell as herpes virus, Aspergillus spp., Fusarium spp. Candida spp. aswell as combinations thereof. Particularly virulent organisms includeStaphylococcus aureus (including resistant strains such as MethicillinResistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA), Staphylococcus epidermidis,Streptococcus pneumoniae, Enterococcus faecalis, Vancomycin ResistantEnterococcus (VRE), Pseudomonas auerginosa, Escherichia coli,Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus clavatus, Fusariumsolani, Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium chlamydosporum, Candida albicans,Candida glabrata, Candida krusei, and combinations thereof.

Compositions of the present invention can be used for the preventionand/or treatment of one or more microorganism-caused infections or otherafflictions. In particular, compositions of the present invention can beused for preventing and/or treating one or more of the following: skinlesions, conditions of the skin such as impetigo, eczema, diaper rash ininfants as well as incontinent adults, inflammation around ostomydevices, shingles, and bacterial infections in open wounds (e.g., cuts,scrapes, burns, lacerations, chronic wounds); necrotizing faciitis;infections of the outer ear; acute or chronic otitis media (middle earinfection) caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal contamination; fungaland bacterial infections of the vagina or rectum; vaginal yeastinfections; bacterial rhinitis; ocular infections; cold sores; genitalherpes; colonization by Staphylococcus aureus in the anterior nares(e.g. prior to surgery or hemodialysis); mucositis (i.e., inflammationas opposed to infection of a mucous membrane typically induced bynon-invasive fungus); chronic sinusitis (e.g., that caused by bacterialor viral contamination); non-invasive fungus-induced rhinosinusitis;chronic colitis; Crohn's disease; burns; napkin rash; tinea pedis (i.e.,athlete's foot); tinea curis (i.e., jock itch); tinea corporis (i.e.,ringworm); candidiasis; strep throat, strep pharyngitis, and other GroupA Streptococci infections; rosacea (often called adult acne); psoriasis;common cold; and respiratory afflictions (e.g., asthma). In sum,compositions of the present invention can be used for preventing and/ortreating a wide variety of topical afflictions caused by microbialinfection (e.g., yeast, viral, bacterial infections).

Compositions of the present invention can be used on a wide variety ofsurfaces. For example, they can be used on mammalian tissues(particularly, skin, mucosal tissue, chronic wounds, acute wounds,burns, and the like) and hard surfaces such as medical (e.g., surgical)devices, floor tiles, countertops, tubs, dishes, as well as on gloves(e.g., surgical gloves). They can also be delivered from swabs, cloth,sponges, foams, nonwovens, and paper products (e.g., paper towels andwipes), for example. Typically, compositions with hydrophobic componentsare used on mammalian tissues (particularly, skin, mucosal tissue,wounds) and medical devices that come in contact with such surfaces,whereas compositions with hydrophilic components are used on thesesurfaces as well as other hard surfaces (e.g., floor tiles).

Thus, the present invention also provides various methods of use ofcompositions of the present invention. Various embodiments of thepresent invention include: a method of preventing an affliction caused,or aggravated by, a microorganism on mammalian tissue (particularly,skin and/or a mucous membrane); a method of decolonizing at least aportion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of asubject of microorganisms; a method of treating a middle ear infectionin a subject (through the middle ear, the Eustachian tube, and/or thetympanic membrane); a method of treating chronic sinusitis in a subject(by treating at least a portion of the respiratory system, particularlythe upper respiratory system, including the nasal cavities, anteriornares, and/or nasopharynx); a method of treating impetigo on the skin ofa subject; a method of treating and/or preventing an infection onmammalian tissue (particularly, the skin, mucosal tissue, and/or wound)of a subject; a method of treating a burn; a method of killing orinactivating microorganisms (e.g., killing bacteria and/or fungi, orinactivating viruses); a method for providing residual antimicrobialefficacy (e.g., antibacterial, antfungal, and/or antiviral efficacy)that results from leaving a residue or imparting a condition on asurface (such as skin, mucosal tissue, wound, and/or medical device thatcontacts such surfaces) that remains effective and provides significantantimicrobial activity; a method of preventing and/or treating a subjectfor a common cold and/or respiratory affliction caused by a microbialinfection; a method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms; and a method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the oral cavity of a subject ofmicroorganisms.

It should be understood that compositions of the present invention canbe used in situations in which there are no clinical indications of anaffliction. For example, compositions of the present invention can beused in methods of decolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities(i.e., space behind the vestibule of the nose), anterior nares (i.e.,the opening in the nose to the nasal cavities, also referred to as theexternal nares), and/or nasopharynx (i.e., the portion of the pharynx,i.e., throat, that lies above the point of food entry into the pharynx)of a subject of microorganisms. A suitable model to test for theeffectiveness of compositions to decolonize the anterior nares has beenestablished and is described by K. Kiser et al., Infect and Immunity,67(10), 5001-5006 (1999). Compositions of the present invention can alsobe used to decolonize microorganisms from wounds.

Decolonization methods using compositions of the present invention areparticularly useful in immunocompromised patients (including oncologypatients, diabetics, HIV patients, transplant patients an the like),particularly for fungi such as Aspergillus spp. and Fusarium spp.

In particular, compositions of the present invention can be used inchronic wounds to eliminate methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,which may or may not show clinical signs of infection such asinflammation, pus, exudate, etc. Also, it is of significance to notethat certain compositions of the present invention can killlipid-enveloped viruses, which can be very difficult to kill and cancause shingles (Herpes), chronic sinusitis, otitis media, and otherlocal diseases.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will readily determine when acomposition of the present invention provides antimicrobial activityusing assay and bacterial screening methods well known in the art. Onereadily performed assay involves exposing selected known or readilyavailable viable microorganism strains, such as Enterococcus spp.,Aspergillus spp., Escherichia spp., Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcusspp., Pseudomonas spp., or Salmonella spp., to a test composition at apredetermined bacterial burden level in a culture media at anappropriate temperature. For the preferred compositions of the presentinvention this is most conveniently done by the Antimicrobial Kill RateTest described in the Examples Section. Briefly, after a sufficientcontact time, an aliquot of a sample containing the exposed bacteria iscollected, diluted, and plated out on agar. The plated sample ofbacteria is incubated for forty-eight hours and the number of viablebacterial colonies growing on the plate is counted. Once colonies havebeen counted the reduction in the number of bacteria caused by the testcomposition is readily determined. Bacterial reduction is generallyreported as log₁₀ reduction determined by the difference between thelog₁₀ of the initial inoculum count and the log₁₀ of the inoculum countafter exposure. Preferred compositions of the present invention have anaverage of at least a 4 log reduction in test bacteria in 10 minutes.

Many of the preferred compositions were tested as described in theExamples Section for antimicrobial activity against MRSA (Gram positive,ATCC Number 16266), E. coli (Gram negative, ATCC Number 11229), andPseudomonas aeruginosa (Gram negative, ATCC Number 15442). In general,the Pseudomonas aeruginosa is often the most difficult to kill.Preferred compositions of the present invention also exhibit very rapidantimicrobial activity. As shown in the Examples Section, preferredformulations are able to achieve an average log reduction of at least 4log against these three organisms after a 10 minute exposure andpreferably after a 5 minute exposure. More preferred compositions areable to achieve an average log reduction of at least 5 log and even morepreferred at least 6 log against these three organisms after a 10 minuteexposure and preferably after a 5 minute exposure.

For residual antimicrobial efficacy, compositions of the presentinvention preferably maintain an average log reduction of at least 1log, more preferably at least 1.5 log, and even more preferably at least2 log, for at least 0.5 hour, more preferably at least 1 hour, and evenmore preferably at least 3 hours after application to an affected siteor after testing the composition on the forearm of a subject. To testthis, a composition was applied to the forearm of a subject as a uniformwet coating in an amount of approximately 4 milligrams per squarecentimeter (mg/cm²) to the forearm of a healthy subject and allowed tothoroughly dry (typically a minimum of 10 minutes) over an area ofapproximately 5×5 cm. The dried composition was gently washed with 23°C. normal saline (0.9% by weight sodium chloride). The saline washedsite was exposed to a known quantity of bacteria in an innoculum of 10⁶bacteria/ml (typically Staphylococcus epidermidis or E. coli) for 30minutes. The bacteria were recovered and treated with an effectiveneutralizer and incubated to quantify the bacteria remaining.Particularly preferred compositions retain at least 1 log reduction andpreferably at least 2 log reduction of bacteria after a gentle rinsewith 500 ml saline poured over the site by placing the saline containeras close to the site as possible so as to not have the saline fall ontothe site.

Significantly, certain embodiments of the present invention have a verylow potential for generating microbial resistance. For example,preferred compositions of the present invention have an increase in theratio of final to initial MIC levels (i.e., minimum inhibitoryconcentration) of less than 16, more preferably less than 8, and evenmore preferably less than 4. Such an emergence of resistance assayshould be carried out such that the microorganisms are subjectedinitially to sub MIC levels (e.g., ½ the MIC) of antimicrobial lipid andafter 24 hours the microorganisms passed into broth containing twice theconcentration of antimicrobial lipid. This is repeated for 8 days andeach day microorganisms are removed to determine the new MIC. Thus, suchcompositions can be applied multiple times over one or more days totreat topical infections or to eradicate unwanted bacteria (such asnasal colonization of Staphylococcus aureus).

Preferred compositions of the present invention contain an effectiveamount of antimicrobial lipid component to rapidly kill or inactivatemicroorganisms on skin, skin lesions, and mucosal membranes. In certainembodiments, essentially all the microorganisms are eradicated orinactivated within five days, preferably within three days, morepreferably two days, and most preferably within 24 hours using one ormore doses.

Preferred compositions of the present invention have a generally lowirritation level for skin, skin lesions, and mucosal membranes(including the anterior nares, nasal cavities, nasopharangyl cavity andother portions of the upper respiratory tract). For example, certainpreferred compositions of the present invention are no more irritatingthan BACTROBAN ointment (on skin) or BACTROBAN NASAL (in the anteriornares) products available from Glaxo Smith Kline.

Preferred compositions of the present invention are substantive forrelatively long periods of time to ensure adequate efficacy. Forexample, certain compositions of the present invention remain at thesite of application with antimicrobial activity for at least 4 hours andmore preferably at least 8 hours.

Preferred compositions of the present invention are physically stable.As defined herein “physically stable” compositions are those that do notsignificantly change due to substantial precipitation, crystallization,phase separation, and the like, from their original condition duringstorage at 23° C. for at least 3 months, and preferably for at least 6months. Particularly preferred compositions are physically stable if a10-milliliter (10-ml) sample of the composition when placed in a 15-mlconical-shaped graduated plastic centrifuge tube (Corning) andcentrifuged at 3,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) for 10 minutes using aLabofuge B, model 2650 manufactured by Heraeus Sepatech GmbH, Osterode,West Germany (or similar centrifuge at 2275×g) has no visible phaseseparation in the bottom or top of the tube.

Preferred compositions of the present invention exhibit good chemicalstability. This can be especially a concern with the antimicrobial fattyacid esters, which can often undergo transesterification, for example.Preferred compositions retain at least 85%, more preferably at least90%, even more preferably at least 92%, and even more preferably atleast 95%, of the antimicrobial lipid component after aging for 4 weeksat 40° C. (an average of three samples) beyond the initial 5-dayequilibration period at 23° C. The most preferred compositions retain anaverage of at least 97% of the antimicrobial lipid component after agingfor 4 weeks at 40° C. in a sealed container beyond the initial 5-dayequilibration period at 23° C. The percent retention is understood tomean the weight percent of antimicrobial lipid component retained. Thisis determined by comparing the amount remaining in a sample aged (i.e.,aged beyond the initial 5-day equilibration period) in a sealedcontainer that does not cause degradation, to the actual measured levelin an identically prepared sample (preferably from the same batch) andallowed to sit at 23° C. for five days. The level of antimicrobial lipidcomponent is preferably determined using gas chromatography as describedin the Aging Study Using Gas Chromatography test method included in theExamples Section.

Generally, the compositions of this invention may be in one of thefollowing forms:

A hydrophobic ointment: The compositions are formulated with ahydrophobic base (e.g., petrolatum, thickened or gelled water insolubleoils, and the like) and optionally having a minor amount of a watersoluble phase.

An oil-in-water emulsion: The compositions may be formulations in whichthe antimicrobial lipid component is emulsified into an emulsioncomprising a discrete phase of a hydrophobic component and a continuousaqueous phase that includes water and optionally one or more polarhydrophilic carrier(s) as well as salts, surfactants, emulsifiers, andother components. These emulsions may include water-soluble orwater-swellable polymers as well as one or more emulsifier(s) that helpto stabilize the emulsion. These emulsions generally have higherconductivity values, as described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/966,511, filed on Sep. 28, 2001.

A water-in-oil emulsion: The compositions may be formulations in whichthe antimicrobial lipid component is incorporatedinto an emulsion thatincludes a continuous phase of a hydrophobic component and an aqueousphase that includes water and optionally one or more polar hydrophiliccarrier(s) as well as salts or other components. These emulsions mayinclude oil-soluble or oil-swellable polymers as well as one or moreemulsifier(s) that help to stabilize the emulsion.

Thickened Aqueous gels: These systems include an aqueous phase which hasbeen thickened to achieve a viscosity of at least 500 centipoise (cps),more preferably at least 1,000 cps, even more preferably at least 10,000cps, even more preferably at least 20,000 cps, even more preferably atleast 50,000 cps, even more preferably at least 75,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 100,000 cps, and even more preferably at least250,000 cps (and even as high as 500,000 cps, 1,000,000 cps, or more).The viscosity is determined using the Viscosity Test described herein.These systems can be thickened by suitable natural, modified natural, orsynthetic polymers as described below. Alternatively, the thickenedaqueous gels can be thickened using suitable polyethoxylated alkyl chainsurfactants that effectively thicken the composition as well as othernonionic, cationic, or anionic emulsifier systems. Preferably, cationicor anionic emulsifier systems are chosen since some polyethoxylatedemulsifiers can inactivate the antimicrobial lipids especially at higherconcentrations. For certain embodiments, anionic emulsifier systems areused. Examples include the nonioinic systems such as Polawax, Cosmowax,and Crothix systems as well as cationic (Behenyl TMS) and anionic(Crodaphos CES) systems from Croda Inc.

Hydrophilic gels: These are systems in which the continuous phaseincludes at least one water soluble hydrophilic component other thanwater. The formulations may optionally also contain water up to 20% byweight. Higher levels may be suitable in some compositions. Suitablehydrophilic components include one or more glycols such as glycerin,propylene glycol, butylene glycols, etc., polyethylene glycols (PEG),random or block copolymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and/orbutylene oxide, polyalkoxylated surfactants having one or morehydrophobic moieties per molecule, silicone copolyols, as well ascombinations thereof, and the like. One skilled in the art willrecognize that the level of ethoxylation should be sufficient to renderthe hydrophilic component water soluble or water dispersible at 23° C.In most embodiments, the water content is less than 20%, preferably lessthan 10%, and more preferably less than 5% by weight of the composition.

Antimicrobial Lipid Component

The antimicrobial lipid component is that component of the compositionthat provides at least part of the antimicrobial activity. That is, theantimicrobial lipid component has at least some antimicrobial activityfor at least one microorganism. It is generally considered the mainactive component of the compositions of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial lipid prefrerably has asolubility in water of no greater than 1.0 gram per 100 grams (1.0 g/100g) deionized water. More preferred antimicrobial lipids have asolubility in water of no greater than 0.5 g/100 g deionized water, evenmore preferably, no greater than 0.25 g/100 g deionized water, and evenmore preferably, no greater than 0.10 g/100 g deionized water. Preferredantimicrobial lipids have a solubility in deionized water of at least100 micrograms (g) per 100 grams deionized water, more preferably, atleast 500 μg/100 g deionized water, and even more preferably, at least1000 μg/100 g deionized water.

The antimicrobial lipids preferably have a hydrophile/lipophile balance(HLB) of at most 6.2, more preferably at most 5.8, and even morepreferably at most 5.5. The antimicrobial lipids preferably have an HLBof at least 3, preferably at least 3.2, and even more preferably atleast 3.4.

Preferred antimicrobial lipids are uncharged and have an alkyl orankenyl hydrocarbon chain containing at least 7 carbon atoms.

In certain embodiments, the antimicrobial lipid component preferablyincludes one or more fatty acid esters of a polyhydric alcohol, fattyethers of a polyhydric alcohol, or alkoxylated derivatives thereof (ofeither or both of the ester and ether), or combinations thereof. Morespecifically and preferably, the antimicrobial component is selectedfrom the group consisting of a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol (preferably, a (C8-C12)saturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol), a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol (preferably, a (C12-C22)unsaturated fatty acid esterof a polyhydric alcohol), a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol (preferably, a (C8-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol), a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol (preferably, a (C12-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol), an alkoxylated derivative thereof, and combinations thereof.Preferably, the esters and ethers are monoesters and monoethers, unlessthey are esters and ethers of sucrose in which case they can bemonoesters, diesters, monoethers, or monoethers. Various combinations ofmonoesters, diesters, monoethers, and diethers can be used in acomposition of the present invention.

A fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol is preferably of the formula(R¹—C(O)—O)_(n)—R², wherein R¹ is the residue of a (C7-C12)saturatedfatty acid (preferably, a (C8-C12)saturated fatty acid), or a(C8-C22)unsaturated (preferably, a C12-C22)unsaturated, includingpolyunsaturated) fatty acid, R² is the residue of a polyhydric alcohol(typically and preferably, glycerin, propylene glycol, and sucrose,although a wide variety of others can be used including pentaerythritol,sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, etc.), and n=1 or 2. The R² group includesat least one free hydroxyl group (preferably, residues of glycerin,propylene glycol, or sucrose). Preferred fatty acid esters of polyhydricalcohols are esters derived from C7, C8, C9, C10, C11, and C12 saturatedfatty acids. For embodiments in which the polyhydric alcohol is glycerinor propylene glycol, n=1, although when it is sucrose, n=1 or 2.

Exemplary fatty acid monoesters include, but are not limited to,glycerol monoesters of lauric (monolaurin), caprylic (monocaprylin), andcapric (monocaprin) acid, and propylene glycol monoesters of lauric,caprylic, and capric acid, as well as lauric, caprylic, and capric acidmonoesters of sucrose. Other fatty acid monoesters include glycerin andpropylene glycol monoesters of oleic (18:1), linoleic (18:2), linolenic(18:3), and arachonic (20:4) unsaturated (including polyunsaturated)fatty acids. As is generally know, 18:1, for example, means the compoundhas 18 carbon atoms and 1 carbon-carbon double bond. Preferredunsaturated chains have at least one unsaturated group in the cis isomerform. In certain preferred embodiments, the fatty acid monoesters thatare suitable for use in the present composition include known monoestersof lauric, caprylic, and capric acid, such as that known as GML or thetrade designation LAURICIDIN (the glycerol monoester of lauric acidcommonly referred to as monolaurin or glycerol monolaurate), glycerolmonocaprate, glycerol monocaprylate, propylene glycol monolaurate,propylene glycol monocaprate, propylene glycol monocaprylate, andcombinations thereof.

Exemplary fatty acid diesters of sucrose include, but are not limitedto, lauric, caprylic, and capric diesters of sucrose as well ascombinations thereof.

A fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol is preferably of the formula(R³—O)_(n)—R⁴, wherein R³ is a (C7-C12)saturated aliphatic group(preferably, a (C8-C12)saturated aliphatic group), or a(C8-C22)unsaturated (preferably, (C12-C22)unsaturated, includingpolyunsaturated) aliphatic group, R⁴ is the residue of glycerin,sucrose, or propylene glycol, and n=1 or 2. For glycerin and propyleneglycol n=1, and for sucrose n=1 or 2. Preferred fatty ethers aremonoethers of (C7-C12)alkyl groups (more preferably, (C8-C12)alkylgroups).

Exemplary fatty monoethers include, but are not limited to,laurylglyceryl ether, caprylglycerylether, caprylylglyceryl ether,laurylpropylene glycol ether, caprylpropyleneglycol ether, andcaprylylpropyleneglycol ether. Other fatty monoethers include glycerinand propylene glycol monoethers of oleyl (18:1), linoleyl (18:2),linolenyl (18:3), and arachonyl (20:4) unsaturated and polyunsaturatedfatty alcohols. In certain preferred embodiments, the fatty monoethersthat are suitable for use in the present composition includelaurylglyceryl ether, caprylglycerylether, caprylyl glyceryl ether,laurylpropylene glycol ether, caprylpropyleneglycol ether,caprylylpropyleneglycol ether, and combinations thereof. Unsaturatedchains preferably have at least one unsaturated bond in the cis isomerform.

The alkoxylated derivatives of the aforementioned fatty acid esters andfatty ethers (e.g., one which is ethoxylated and/or propoxylated on theremaining alcohol group(s)) also have antimicrobial activity as long asthe total alkoxylate is kept relatively low. Preferred alkoxylationlevels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,208,257 (Kabara). In the casewhere the esters and ethers are ethoxylated, the total moles of ethyleneoxide is preferably less than 5, and more preferably less than 2.

The fatty acid esters or fatty ethers of polyhydric alcohols can bealkoxylated, preferably ethoxylated and/or propoxylated, by conventionaltechniques. Alkoxylating compounds are preferably selected from thegroup consisting of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and mixturesthereof, and similar oxirane compounds.

The compositions of the present invention include one or more fatty acidesters, fatty ethers, alkoxylated fatty acid esters, or alkoxylatedfatty ethers at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Suchcompositions preferably include a total amount of such material of atleast 0.01 percent by weight (wt-%), more preferably at least 0.1 wt-%,even more preferably at least 0.25 wt-%, even more preferably at least0.5 wt-%, and even more preferably at least 1 wt-%, based on the totalweight of the “ready to use” or “as used” composition. In a preferredembodiment, they are present in a total amount of no greater than 20wt-%, more preferably no greater than 15 wt-%, even more preferably nogreater than 10 wt-%, and even more preferably no greater than 5 wt-%,based on the “ready to use” or “as used” composition. Certaincompositions may be higher in concentration if they are intended to bediluted prior to use.

Preferred compositions of the present invention that include one or morefatty acid monoesters, fatty monoethers, or alkoxylated derivativesthereof can also include a small amount of a di- or tri-fatty acid ester(i.e., a fatty acid di- or tri-ester), a di- or tri-fatty ether (i.e., afatty di- or tri-ether), or alkoxylated derivative thereof. Preferably,such components are present in an amount of no more than 50 wt-%, morepreferably no more than 40 wt-%, even more preferably no more than 25wt-%, even more preferably no more than 15 wt-%, even more preferably nomore than 10 wt-%, even more preferably no more than 7 wt-%, even morepreferably no more than 6 wt-%, and even more preferably no more than 5wt-%, based on the total weight of the antimicrobial lipid component.For example, for monoesters, monoethers, or alkoxylated derivatives ofglycerin, preferably there is no more than 15 wt-%, more preferably nomore than 10 wt-%, even more preferably no more than 7 wt-%, even morepreferably no more than 6 wt-%, and even more preferably no more than 5wt-% of a diester, diether, triester, triether, or alkoxylatedderivatives thereof present, based on the total weight of theantimicrobial lipid components present in the composition. However, aswill be explained in greater detail below, higher concentrations of di-and tri-esters may be tolerated in the raw material if the formulationinitially includes free glycerin because of transesterificationreactions.

Although in some situations it is desirable to avoid di- or tri-estersas a component of the starting materials, it is possible to userelatively pure tri-esters in the preparation of certain compositions ofthe present invention (for example, as a hydrophobic component) and haveeffective antimicrobial activity.

To achieve rapid antimicrobial activity, formulations may incorporateone or more antimicrobial lipids in the composition approaching, orpreferably exceeding, the solubility limit in the hydrophobic phase.While not intended to be bound by theory, it appears that antimicrobiallipids that preferably partition into the hydrophobic component are notreadily available to kill microorganisms which are in or associated withan aqueous phase in or on the tissue. In most compositions, theantimicrobial lipid is preferably incorporated in at least 60%,preferably, at least 75%, more preferably, at least 100%, and mostpreferably, at least 120%, of the solubility limit of the hydrophobiccomponent at 23° C. This in conveniently determined by making theformulation without the antimicrobial lipid, separating the phases(e.g., by centrifugation or other suitable separation technique) anddetermining the solubility limit by addition of progressively greaterlevels of the antimicrobial lipid until precipitation occurs. Oneskilled in the art will realize that creation of supersaturatedsolutions must be avoided for an accurate determination.

Enhancer Component

Compositions of the present invention include an enhancer (preferably asynergist) to enhance the antimicrobial activity especially against Gramnegative bacteria, such as E. coli and Psuedomonas sp. The chosenenhancer preferably affects the cell envelope of the bacteria. While notbound by theory, it is presently believed that the enhancer functions byallowing the antimicrobial lipid to more easily enter the cell cytoplasmand/or by facilitating disruption of the cell envelope. The enhancercomponent may include an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, othercarboxylic acids, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound (such as certain antioxidants andparabens), a (C1-C10)monohydroxy alcohol, a chelating agent, or a glycolether (i.e., ether glycol). Various combinations of enhancers can beused if desired.

The alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, and other carboxylic acidenhancers are preferably present in their protonated, free acid form. Itis not necessary for all of the acidic enhancers to be present in thefree acid form; however, the preferred concentrations listed below referto the amount present in the free acid form. Additional, non-alphahydroxy acid, betahydroxy acid or other carboxylic acid enhancers, maybe added in order to acidify the formulation or buffer it at a pH tomaintain antimicrobial activity. Furthermore, the chelator enhancersthat include carboxylic acid groups are preferably present with at leastone, and more preferably at least two, carboxylic acid groups in theirfree acid form. The concentrations given below assume this to be thecase.

One or more enhancers may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. In apreferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount greater than0.01 wt-%, more preferably in an amount greater than 0.1 wt-%, even morepreferably in an amount greater than 0.2 wt-%, even more preferably inan amount greater than 0.25 wt-%, and most preferably in an amountgreater than 0.4 wt-% based on the total weight of the ready to usecomposition. In a preferred embodiment, they are present in a totalamount of no greater than 20 wt-%, based on the total weight of theready to use composition. Such concentrations typically apply toalpha-hydroxy acids, beta-hydroxy acids, other carboxylic acids,chelating agents, phenolics, ether glycols, (C5-C10)monohydroxyalcohols. Generally, higher concentrations are needed for(C1-C4)monohydroxy alcohols, as described in greater detail below.

The alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, and other carboxylic acidenhancers, as well as chelators that include carboxylic acid groups, arepreferably present in a concentration of no greater than 100 milliMolesper 100 grams of formulated composition. In most embodiments,alpha-hydroxy acid, beta-hydroxy acid, and other carboxylic acidenhancers, as well as chelators that include carboxylic acid groups, arepreferably present in a concentration of no greater than 75 milliMolesper 100 grams, more preferably no greater than 50 milliMoles per 100grams, and most preferably no greater than 25 milliMoles per 100 gramsof formulated composition.

The total concentration of the enhancer component relative to the totalconcentration of the antimicrobial lipid component is preferably withina range of 10:1 to 1:300, and more preferably 5:1 and 1:10, on a weightbasis.

An additional consideration when using an enhancer is the solubility andphysical stability in the compositions. Many of the enhancers discussedherein are insoluble in preferred hydrophobic components such aspetrolatum. It has been found that the addition of a minor amount(typically less than 30 wt-%, preferably less than 20 wt-%, and morepreferably less than 12 wt-%) of a hydrophilic component not only helpsdissolve and physically stabilize the composition but improves theantimicrobial activity as well. These hydrophilic components aredescribed below.

Alternatively, the enhancer may be present in excess of the solubilitylimit provided that the composition is physically stable. This may beachieved by utilizing a sufficiently viscous composition thatstratification (e.g., settling or creaming) of the antimicrobial lipiddoes not appreciably occur.

Alpha-hydroxy Acids. An alpha-hydroxy acid is typically a compoundrepresented by the formula:

R⁵(CR⁶OH)_(n)COOH

wherein: R⁵ and R⁶ are each independently H or a (C1-C8)alkyl group(straight, branched, or cyclic), a (C6-C12)aryl, or a (C6-C12)aralkyl oralkaryl group (wherein the alkyl group is straight, branched, orcyclic), wherein R⁵ and R⁶ may be optionally substituted with one ormore carboxylic acid groups; and n=1-3, preferably, n=1-2.

Exemplary alpha-hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, lacticacid, malic acid, citric acid, 2-hydroxybutanoic acid, 3-hydroxybutanoicacid, mandelic acid, gluconic acid, glycolic acid, tartaric acid,alpha-hydroxyethanoic acid, ascorbic acid, alpha-hydroxyoctanoic acid,hydroxycaprylic acid, and salicylic acid, as well as derivatives thereof(e.g., compounds substituted with hydroxyls, phenyl groups,hydroxyphenyl groups, alkyl groups, halogens, as well as combinationsthereof). Preferred alpha-hydroxy acids include lactic acid, malic acid,and mandelic acid. These acids may be in D, L, or DL form and may bepresent as free acid, lactone, or partial salts thereof. All such formsare encompassed by the term “acid.” Preferably, the acids are present inthe free acid form. In certain preferred embodiments, the alpha-hydroxyacids useful in the compositions of the present invention are selectedfrom the group consisting of lactic acid, mandelic acid, and malic acid,and mixtures thereof. Other suitable alpha-hydroxy acids are describedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,665,776 (Yu).

One or more alpha-hydroxy acids may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Ina preferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least0.25 wt-%, more preferably, at least 0.5 wt-%, and even more preferably,at least 1 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to usecomposition. In a preferred embodiment, they are present in a totalamount of no greater than 10 wt-%, more preferably, no greater than 5wt-%, and even more preferably, no greater than 3 wt-%, based on thetotal weight of the ready to use composition. Higher concentrations maybecome irritating.

The ratio of alpha-hydroxy acid enhancer to total antimicrobial lipidcomponent is preferably at most 10:1, more preferably at most 5:1, andeven more preferably at most 1:1. The ratio of alpha-hydroxy acidenhancer to total antimicrobial lipid component is preferably at least1:20, more preferably at least 1:12, and even more preferably at least1:5. Preferably the ratio of alpha-hydroxy acid enhancer to totalantimicrobial lipid component is within a range of 1:12 to 1:1.

Beta-hydroxy Acids. A beta-hydroxy acid is typically a compoundrepresented by the formula:

R⁷(CR⁸OH)_(n)(CHR⁹)_(m)COOH or

wherein: R⁷, R⁸, and R⁹ are each independently H or a (C1-C8)alkyl group(saturated straight, branched, or cyclic group), a (C6-C12)aryl, or a(C6-C12)aralkyl or alkaryl group (wherein the alkyl group is straight,branched, or cyclic), wherein R⁷ and R⁸ may be optionally substitutedwith one or more carboxylic acid groups; m=0 or 1; n=1-3 (preferably,n=1-2); and R²¹ is H, (C1-C4)alkyl or a halogen.

Exemplary beta-hydroxy acids include, but are not limited to, salicylicacid, beta-hydroxybutanoic acid, tropic acid, and trethocanic acid. Incertain preferred embodiments, the beta-hydroxy acids useful in thecompositions of the present invention are selected from the groupconsisting of salicylic acid, beta-hydroxybutanoic acid, and mixturesthereof. Other suitable beta-hydroxy acids are described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,665,776 (Yu).

One or more beta-hydroxy acids may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Ina preferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least0.1 wt-%, more preferably at least 0.25 wt-%, and even more preferablyat least 0.5 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to usecomposition. In a preferred embodiment, they are present in a totalamount of no greater than 10 wt-%, more preferably no greater than 5wt-%, and even more preferably no greater than 3 wt-%, based on thetotal weight of the ready to use composition. Higher concentrations maybecome irritating.

The ratio of beta-hydroxy acid enhancer to total antimicrobial lipidcomponent is preferably at most 10:1, more preferably at most 5:1, andeven more preferably at most 1:1. The ratio of beta-hydroxy acidenhancer to total antimicrobial lipid component is preferably at least1:20, more preferably at least 1:15, and even more preferably at least1:10. Preferably the ratio of beta-hydroxy acid enhancer to totalantimicrobial lipid component is within a range of 1:15 to 1:1.

In systems with low concentrations of water, or that are essentiallyfree of water, transesterification may be the principle route of loss ofthe fatty acid monoester and alkoxylated derivatives of these activeingredients and loss of carboxylic acid containing enhancers may occurdue to esterification. Thus, certain alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA) andbeta-hydroxy acids (BHA) are particularly preferred since these arebelieved to be less likely to transesterify the ester antimicrobiallipid or other ester by reaction of the hydroxyl group of the AHA orBHA. For example, salicylic acid may be particularly preferred incertain formulations since the phenolic hydroxyl group is a much moreacidic alcohol and thus much less likely to react. Other particularlypreferred compounds in anhydrous or low-water content formulationsinclude lactic, mandelic, malic, citric, tartaric, and glycolic acid.Benzoic acid and substituted benzoic acids that do not include ahydroxyl group, while not hydroxyl acids, are also preferred due to areduced tendency to form ester groups.

Other Carboxylic Acids. Carboxylic acids other than alpha- andbeta-carboxylic acids are suitable for use in the enhancer component.These include alkyl, aryl, aralkyl, or alkaryl carboxylic acidstypically having equal to or less than 12 carbon atoms. A preferredclass of these can be represented by the following formula:

R¹⁰(CR¹¹ ₂)_(n)COOH

wherein: R¹⁰ and R¹¹ are each independently H or a (C1-C4)alkyl group(which can be a straight, branched, or cyclic group), a (C6-C12)arylgroup, a (C6-C12) group containing both aryl groups and alkyl groups(which can be a straight, branched, or cyclic group), wherein R¹⁰ andR¹¹ may be optionally substituted with one or more carboxylic acidgroups; and n=0-3, preferably, n=0-2. Preferably, the carboxylic acid isa (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, or a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid. Exemplary acids include, but are notlimited to, acetic acid, propionic acid, benzoic acid, benzylic acid,nonylbenzoic acid, and the like. Particularly preferred is benzoic acid.

One or more carboxylic acids may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Ina preferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least0.1 wt-%, more preferably at least 0.25 wt-%, even more preferably atleast 0.5 wt-%, and most preferably at least 1 wt-%, based on the readyto use concentration composition. In a preferred embodiment, they arepresent in a total amount of no greater than 10 wt-%, more preferably nogreater than 5 wt-%, and even more preferably no greater than 3 wt-%,based on the ready to use composition.

The ratio of the total concentration of carboxylic acids (other thanalpha- or beta-hydroxy acids) to the total concentration of theantimicrobial lipid component is preferably within a range of 10:1 to1:100, and more preferably 2:1 to 1:10, on a weight basis.

Chelators. A chelating agent (i.e., chelator) is typically an organiccompound capable of multiple coordination sites with a metal ion insolution. Typically these chelating agents are polyanionic compounds andcoordinate best with polyvalent metal ions. Exemplary chelating agentsinclude, but are not limited to, ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid(EDTA) and salts thereof (e.g., EDTA(Na)₂, EDTA(Na)₄, EDTA(Ca),EDTA(K)₂), sodium acid pyrophosphate, acidic sodium hexametaphosphate,adipic acid, succinic acid, polyphosphoric acid, sodium acidpyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, acidified sodiumhexametaphosphate, nitrilotris(methylenephosphonic acid),diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid, 1-hydroxyethylene, 1,1-diphosphonicacid, and diethylenetriaminepenta-(methylenephosphonic acid). Certaincarboxylic acids, particularly the alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxyacids, can also function as chelators, e.g., malic acid and tartaricacid.

Also included as chelators are compounds highly specific for bindingferrous and/or ferric ion such as siderophores, and iron bindingproteins. Iron binding protein include, for example, lactoferrin, andtransferrin. Siderophores include, for example, enterochlin,enterobactin, vibriobactin, anguibactin, pyochelin, pyoverdin, andaerobactin.

In certain preferred embodiments, the chelating agents useful in thecompositions of the present invention include those selected from thegroup consisting of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and salts thereof,succinic acid, and mixtures thereof. Preferably, either the free acid orthe mono- or di-salt form of EDTA is used.

One or more chelating agents may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Ina preferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least0.01 wt-%, more preferably at least 0.05 wt-%, even more preferably atleast 0.1 wt-%, and even more preferably at least 1 wt-%, based on theweight of the ready to use composition. In a preferred embodiment, theyare present in a total amount of no greater than 10 wt-%, morepreferably no greater than 5 wt-%, and even more preferably no greaterthan 1 wt-%, based on the weight of the ready to use composition.

The ratio of the total concentration of chelating agents (other thanalpha- or beta-hydroxy acids) to the total concentration of theantimicrobial lipid component is preferably within a range of 10:1 to1:100, and more preferably 1:1 to 1:10, on a weight basis.

Phenolic Compounds. A phenolic compound enhancer is typically a compoundhaving the following general structure:

wherein: m is 0 to 3 (especially 1 to 3), n is 1 to 3 (especially 1 to2), each R¹² independently is alkyl or alkenyl of up to 12 carbon atoms(especially up to 8 carbon atoms) optionally substituted with O in or onthe chain (e.g., as a carbonyl group) or OH on the chain, and each R¹³independently is H or alkyl or alkenyl of up to 8 carbon atoms(especially up to 6 carbon atoms) optionally substituted with O in or onthe chain (e.g., as a carbonyl group) or OH on the chain, but where R¹³is H, n preferably is 1 or 2.

Examples of phenolic enhancers include, but are not limited to,butylated hydroxy anisole, e.g., 3(2)-tert-butyl-4-methoxyphenol (BHA),2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT),3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-4-hexylphenol,2,6-di-tert-4-octylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-4-decylphenol,2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-ethylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-4-butylphenol,2,5-di-tert-butylphenol, 3,5-di-tert-butylphenol,4,6-di-tert-butyl-resorcinol, methyl paraben (4-hydroxybenzoic acidmethyl ester), ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben,2-phenoxyethanol, as well as combinations thereof. A preferred group ofthe phenolic compounds is the phenol species having the generalstructure shown above where R¹³═H and where R¹² is alkyl or alkenyl ofup to 8 carbon atoms, and n is 0, 1, 2, or 3, especially where at leastone R¹² is butyl and particularly tert-butyl, and especially thenon-toxic members thereof. Some of the preferred phenolic synergists areBHA, BHT, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, and butylparaben as well as combinations of these.

One or more phenolic compounds may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Theconcentrations of the phenolic compounds in medical-grade compositionsmay vary widely, but as little as 0.001 wt-%, based on the total weightof the composition, can be effective when the above-described esters arepresent within the above-noted ranges. In a preferred embodiment, theyare present in a total amount of at least 0.01 wt-%, more preferably atleast 0.10 wt-%, and even more preferably at least 0.25 wt-%, based onthe ready to use composition. In a preferred embodiment, they arepresent in a total amount of no greater than 8 wt-%, more preferably nogreater than 4 wt-%, and even more preferably no greater than 2 wt-%,based on the ready to use composition.

It is preferred that the ratio of the total phenolic concentration tothe total concentration of the antimicrobial lipid component be within arange of 10:1 to 1:300, and more preferably within a range of 1:1 to1:10, on a weight basis.

The above-noted concentrations of the phenolics are normally observedunless concentrated formulations for subsequent dilution are intended.On the other hand, the minimum concentration of the phenolics and theantimicrobial lipid components to provide an antimicrobial effect willvary with the particular application.

Monohydroxy Alcohols. An additional enhancer is a monohydroxy alcoholhaving 1-10 carbon atoms. This includes the lower (i.e., C1-C4)monohydroxy alcohols (e.g., methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, and butanol)as well as longer chain (i.e., C5-C10) monohydroxy alcohols (e.g.,iosbutanol, t-butanol, octanol, and decanol). In certain preferredembodiments, the alcohols useful in the compositions of the presentinvention are selected from the group consisting of methanol, ethanol,isopropyl alcohol, and mixtures thereof.

One or more alcohols may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. In apreferred embodiment, the short chain (i.e., C1-C4) alcohols are presentin a total amount of at least 10 wt-%, even more preferably at least 15wt-%, even more preferably at least 20 wt-%, and even more preferably atleast 25 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to usecomposition.

In a preferred embodiment, the (C1-C4)alcohols are present in a totalamount of no greater than 90 wt-%, more preferably no greater than 70wt-%, even more preferably no greater than 60 wt-%, and even morepreferably no greater than 50 wt-%, based on the total weight of theready to use composition.

For certain applications, lower alcohols may not be preferred due to thestrong odor and potential for stinging and irritation. This can occurespecially at higher levels. In applications where stinging or burningis a concern, the concentration of (C1-C4)alcohols is preferably lessthan 20 wt-%, more preferably less than 15 wt-%.

In another preferred embodiment longer chain (i.e., C5-C10)alcohols arepresent in a total amount of at least 0.1 wt-%, more preferably at least0.25 wt-%, and even more preferably at least 0.5 wt-%, and mostpreferably at least 1.0%, based on the ready to use composition. In apreferred embodiment, the (C6-C10)alcohols are present in a total amountof no greater than 10 wt-%, more preferably no greater than 5 wt-%, andeven more preferably no greater than 2 wt-%, based on the total weightof the ready to use composition.

Ether glycols. An additional enhancer is an ether glycol. Exemplaryether glycols include those of the formula:

R′—O—(CH₂CHR″O)_(n)(CH₂CHR″O)H

wherein R′ ═H, a (C1-C8)alkyl, or a (C6-C12)aralkyl or alkaryl; and eachR″ is independently=H, methyl, or ethyl; and n=0-5, preferably 1-3.Examples include 2-phenoxyethanol, dipropylene glycol, triethyleneglycol, the line of products available under the trade designationDOWANOL DB (di(ethylene glycol) butyl ether), DOWANOL DPM (di(propyleneglycol)monomethyl ether), and DOWANOL TPnB (tri(propylene glycol)monobutyl ether), as well as many others available from Dow Chemical,Midland Mich.

One or more ether glycols may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. In apreferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least0.01 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to use composition. Ina preferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of no greaterthan 20 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to use composition.

Surfactants

Compositions of the present invention can include one or moresurfactants to emulsify the composition and to help wet the surfaceand/or to aid in contacting the microorganisms. As used herein the term“surfactant” means an amphiphile (a molecule possessing both polar andnonpolar regions which are covalently bound) capable of reducing thesurface tension of water and/or the interfacial tension between waterand an immiscible liquid. The term is meant to include soaps,detergents, emulsifiers, surface active agents, and the like. Thesurfactant can be cationic, anionic, nonionic, or amphoteric. Thisincludes a wide variety of conventional surfactants; however, certainethoxylated surfactants can reduce or eliminate the antimicrobialefficacy of the antimicrobial lipid component.

The exact mechanism of this is not known and not all ethoxylatedsurfactants display this negative effect. For example, poloxamer(polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide) surfactants have been shown tobe compatible with the antimicrobial lipid component, but ethoxylatedsorbitan fatty acid esters such as those sold under the trade name TWEENby ICI have not been compatible. It should be noted that these are broadgeneralizations and the activity could be formulation dependent. Oneskilled in the art can easily determine compatibility of a surfactant bymaking the formulation and testing for antimicrobial activity asdescribed in the Examples Section. Combinations of various surfactantscan be used if desired.

It should be noted that certain antimicrobial lipds are amphiphiles andmay be surface active. For example, certain antimicrobial alkylmonoglycerides described herein are surface active. For certainembodiments of the invention, the antimicrobial lipid component isconsidered distinct from a “surfactant” component.

Preferred surfactants are those that have an HLB (i.e., hydrophile tolipophile balance) of at least 4 and more preferably at least 8. Evenmore preferred surfactants have an HLB of at least 12. Most preferredsurfactants have an HLB of at least 15.

Examples of the various classes of surfactants are described below. Incertain preferred embodiments, the surfactants useful in thecompositions of the present invention are selected from the groupconsisting of sulfonates, sulfates, phosphonates, phosphates, poloxamer(polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide block copolymers), cationicsurfactants, and mixtures thereof. In certain more preferredembodiments, the surfactants useful in the compositions of the presentinvention are selected from the group consisting of sulfonates,sulfates, phosphates, and mixtures thereof.

One or more surfactants may be used in the compositions of the presentinvention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. In apreferred embodiment, they are present in a total amount of at least 0.1wt-%, more preferably at least 0.5 wt-%, and even more preferably atleast 1.0 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready to usecomposition. Many of the compositions of the present invention areintended to be left on tissue for the desired indication, e.g.,decolonizing nasal tissue or treating impetigo. Therefore, in order toavoid irritation in a preferred embodiment, they are present in a totalamount of no greater than 10 wt-%, more preferably no greater than 5wt-%, even more preferably no greater than 3 wt-%, and even morepreferably no greater than 2 wt-%, based on the total weight of theready to use composition. The ratio of the total concentration ofsurfactant to the total concentration of the antimicrobial lipidcomponent is preferably within a range of 5:1 to 1:100, more preferably3:1 to 1:10, and most preferably 2:1 to 1:3, on a weight basis.

Cationic Surfactants. Exemplary cationic surfactants include, but arenot limited to, salts of optionally polyoxyalkylenated primary,secondary, or tertiary fatty amines; quaternary ammonium salts such astetraalkylammonium, alkylamidoalkyltrialkylammonium,trialkylbenzylammonium, trialkylhydroxyalkylammonium, or alkylpyridiniumhalides (preferably chlorides or bromides) as well as other anioniccounterions, such as but not limited to, alkyl sulfates, such as but notlimited to, methosulfate and ethosulfate; imidazoline derivatives; amineoxides of a cationic nature (e.g., at an acidic pH).

In certain preferred embodiments, the cationic surfactants useful in thecompositions of the present invention are selected from the groupconsisting of tetralkyl ammonium, trialkylbenzylammonium, andalkylpyridinium halides as well as other anionic counterions, such asbut not limited to, C1-C4 alkyl sulfates, such as but not limited to,methosulfate and ethosulfate, and mixtures thereof.

Also particularly preferred are amine oxide surfactants including alkyland alkylamidoalkyldialkylamine oxides of the following formula:

(R¹⁴)₃—N→O

wherein R¹⁴ is a (C1-C30)alkyl group (preferably a (C1-C14)alkyl group)or a (C6-C18)aralklyl or alkaryl group, wherein any of these groups canbe optionally substituted in or on the chain by N-, O-, or S-containinggroups such as amide, ester, hydroxyl, and the like. Each R¹⁴ may be thesame or different provided at least one R¹⁴ group includes at leasteight carbons. Optionally, the R¹⁴ groups can be joined to form aheterocyclic ring with the nitrogen to form surfactants such as amineoxides of alkyl morpholine, alkyl piperazine, and the like. Preferablytwo R¹⁴ groups are methyl and one R¹⁴ group is a (C12-C16)alkyl oralkylamidopropyl group. Examples of amine oxide surfactants includethose commercially available under the trade designations AMMONYX LO,LMDO, and CO, which are lauryldimethylamine oxide,laurylamidopropyldimethylamine oxide, and cetyl amine oxide, all fromStepan Company.

Anionic Surfactants. Exemplary anionic surfactants include, but are notlimited to, sarcosinates, glutamates, alkyl sulfates, sodium orpotassium alkyleth sulfates, ammonium alkyleth sulfates, ammoniumlaureth-n-sulfates, laureth-n-sulfates, isethionates, glycerylethersulfonates, sulfosuccinates, alkylglyceryl ether sulfonates, alkylphosphates, aralkyl phosphates, alkylphosphonates, andaralkylphosphonates.

These anionic surfactants may have a metal or organic ammoniumcounterion. In certain preferred embodiments, the anionic surfactantsuseful in the compositions of the present invention are selected fromthe group consisting of:

1. Sulfonates and Sulfates.

Suitable anionic surfactants include sulfonates and sulfates such asalkyl sulfates, alkylether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylethersulfonates, alkylbenzene sufonates, alkylbenzene ether sulfates,alkylsulfoacetates, secondary alkane sulfonates, secondaryalkylsulfates, and the like. Many of these can be represented by theformulas:

R¹⁴—(OCH₂CH₂)_(n)(OCH(CH₃)CH₂)_(p)—(Ph)_(a)-(OCH₂CH₂)_(m)—(O)_(b)—SO₃⁻M⁺

and

R¹⁴—CH[SO₃-M⁺]—R¹⁵

wherein: a and b=0 or 1; n, p, and m=0-100 (preferably 0-20, and morepreferably 0-10); R¹⁴ is defined as above provided at least one R¹⁴ orR¹⁵ is at least C8; R¹⁵ is a (C1-C12)alkyl group (saturated straight,branched, or cyclic group) that may be optionally substituted by N, O,or S atoms or hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, or amine groups; Ph=phenyl; andM is a cationic counterion such as H, Na, K, Li, ammonium, or aprotonated tertiary amine such as triethanolamine or a quaternaryammonium group.

In the formula above, the ethylene oxide groups (i.e., the “n” and “m”groups) and propylene oxide groups (i.e., the “p” groups) can occur inreverse order as well as in a random, sequential, or block arrangement.Preferably for this class, R¹⁴ includes an alkylamide group such asR¹⁶—C(O)N(CH₃)CH₂CH₂— as well as ester groups such as —OC(O)—CH₂—wherein R¹⁶ is a (C8-C22)alkyl group (branched, straight, or cyclicgroup). Examples include, but are not limited to: alkyl ether sulfonatessuch as lauryl ether sulfates such as POLYSTEP B12 (n=3-4, M=sodium) andB22 (n=12, M=ammonium) available from Stepan Company, Northfield, Ill.and sodium methyl taurate (available under the trade designation NIKKOLCMT30 from Nikko Chemicals Co., Tokyo, Japan); secondary alkanesulfonates such as Hostapur SAS which is a Sodium (C14-C17)secondaryalkane sulfonates (alpha-olefin sulfonates) available from ClariantCorp., Charlotte, N.C.; methyl-2-sulfoalkyl esters such as sodiummethyl-2-sulfo(C12-16)ester and disodium 2-sulfo(C12-C16)fatty acidavailable from Stepan Company under the trade designation ALPHASTEPPC-48; alkylsulfoacetates and alkylsulfosuccinates available as sodiumlaurylsulfoacetate (under the trade designation LANTHANOL LAL) anddisodiumlaurethsulfosuccinate (STEPANMILD SL3), both from StepanCompany; alkylsulfates such as ammoniumlauryl sulfate commerciallyavailable under the trade designation STEPANOL AM from Stepan Company;dialkylsulfosuccinates such as dioctylsodiumsulfosuccinate available asAerosol OT from Cytec Industries.

2. Phosphates and Phosphonates.

Suitable anionic surfactants also include phosphates such as alkylphosphates, alkylether phosphates, aralkylphosphates, and aralkyletherphosphates. Many may be represented by the formula:

[R¹⁴—(Ph)_(a)-O(CH₂CH₂O)_(n)(CH₂CH(CH₃)O)_(p)]_(q)—P(O)[O⁻M⁺]_(r)

wherein: Ph, R¹⁴, a, n, p, and M are defined above; r is 0-2; and q=1-3;with the proviso that when q=1, r=2, and when q=2, r=1, and when q=3,r=0. As above, the ethylene oxide groups (i.e., the “n” groups) andpropylene oxide groups (i.e., the “p” groups) can occur in reverse orderas well as in a random, sequential, or block arrangement. Examplesinclude a mixture of mono-, di- andtri-(alkyltetraglycolether)-o-phosphoric acid esters generally referredto as trilaureth-4-phosphate commercially available under the tradedesignation HOSTAPHAT 340KL from Clariant Corp., as well as PPG-5 ceteth10 phosphate available under the trade designation CRODAPHOS SG fromCroda Inc., Parsipanny, N.J., and mixtures thereof.

Amphoteric Surfactants. Surfactants of the amphoteric type includesurfactants having tertiary amine groups, which may be protonated, aswell as quaternary amine containing zwitterionic surfactants. Those thathave been particularly useful include:

1. Ammonium Carboxylate Amphoterics.

This class of surfactants can be represented by the following formula:

R¹⁷—(C(O)—NH)_(a)—R¹⁸—N⁺(R¹⁹)₂—R²⁰—COO⁻

wherein: a=0 or 1; R¹⁷ is a (C7-C21)alkyl group (saturated straight,branched, or cyclic group), a (C6-C22)aryl group, or a (C6-C22)aralkylor alkaryl group (saturated straight, branched, or cyclic alkyl group),wherein R¹⁷ may be optionally substituted with one or more N, O, or Satoms, or one or more hydroxyl, carboxyl, amide, or amine groups; R¹⁹ isH or a (C1-C8)alkyl group (saturated straight, branched, or cyclicgroup), wherein R¹⁹ may be optionally substituted with one or more N, O,or S atoms, or one or more hydroxyl, carboxyl, amine groups, a(C6-C9)aryl group, or a (C6-C9)aralkyl or alkaryl group; and R¹⁸ and R²⁰are each independently a (C1-C10)alkylene group that may be the same ordifferent and may be optionally substituted with one or more N, O, or Satoms, or one or more hydroxyl or amine groups.

More preferably, in the formula above, R¹⁷ is a (C1-C18)alkyl group, R¹⁹is a (C1-C2)alkyl group preferably substituted with a methyl or benzylgroup and most preferably with a methyl group. When R¹⁹ is H it isunderstood that the surfactant at higher pH values could exist as atertiary amine with a cationic counterion such as Na, K, Li, or aquaternary amine group.

Examples of such amphoteric surfactants include, but are not limited to:certain betaines such as cocobetaine and cocamidopropyl betaine(commercially available under the trade designations MACKAM CB-35 andMACKAM L from McIntyre Group Ltd., University Park, Ill.); monoacetatessuch as sodium lauroamphoacetate; diacetates such as disodiumlauroamphoacetate; amino- and alkylamino-propionates such aslauraminopropionic acid (commercially available under the tradedesignations MACKAM 1 L, MACKAM 2 L, and MACKAM 151 L, respectively,from McIntyre Group Ltd.).

2. Ammonium Sulfonate Amphoterics.

This class of amphoteric surfactants are often referred to as“sultaines” or “sulfobetaines” and can be represented by the followingformula

R¹⁷—(C(O)—NH)_(a)—R¹⁸—N⁺(R¹⁹)₂—R²⁰—SO₃ ⁻

wherein R¹⁷-R²⁰ and “a” are defined above. Examples includecocamidopropylhydroxysultaine (commercially available as MACKAM 50-SBfrom McIntyre Group Ltd.). The sulfoamphoterics may be preferred overthe carboxylate amphoterics since the sulfonate group will remainionized at much lower pH values.

Nonionic Surfactants. Exemplary nonionic surfactants include, but arenot limited to, alkyl glucosides, alkyl polyglucosides, polyhydroxyfatty acid amides, sucrose esters, esters of fatty acids and polyhydricalcohols, fatty acid alkanolamides, ethoxylated fatty acids, ethoxylatedaliphatic acids, ethoxylated fatty alcohols (e.g., octyl phenoxypolyethoxyethanol available under the trade name TRITON X-100 and nonylphenoxy poly(ethyleneoxy) ethanol available under the trade name NONIDETP-40, both from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.), ethoxylated and/or propoxylatedaliphatic alcohols (e.g., that available under the trade name BRIJ fromICI, Wilmington, Del.), ethoxylated glycerides, ethoxylated/propoxylatedblock copolymers such as PLURONIC and TETRONIC surfactants availablefrom BASF, ethoxylated cyclic ether adducts, ethoxylated amide andimidazoline adducts, ethoxylated amine adducts, ethoxylated mercaptanadducts, ethoxylated condensates with alkyl phenols, ethoxylatednitrogen-based hydrophobes, ethoxylated polyoxypropylenes, polymericsilicones, fluorinated surfactants (e.g., those available under thetrade names FLUORAD-FS 300 from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.,St. Paul, Minn., and ZONYL from Dupont de Nemours Co., Wilmington,Del.), and polymerizable (reactive) surfactants (e.g., SAM 211 (alkylenepolyalkoxy sulfate) surfactant available under the trade name MAZON fromPPG Industries, Inc., Pittsburgh, Pa.). In certain preferredembodiments, the nonionic surfactants useful in the compositions of thepresent invention are selected from the group consisting of Poloxamerssuch as PLURONIC from BASF, sorbitan fatty acid esters, and mixturesthereof.

Hydrophilic Component

Compositions of the present invention can include a hydrophilic orwater-soluble component to help solubilize and/or physically stabilizethe enhancer component in the composition and/or to enhance theantimicrobial efficacy and/or the speed of antmicrobial efficacy.Incorporation of a sufficient amount of hydrophilic component inhydrophobic ointments can increase the antimicrobial activity both interms of speed of kill and extent of kill. While not intended to bebound by theory, the incorporation of the hydrophilic component mayallow more of the antimicrobial lipid component to be available at thesurface or to more rapidly diffuse to the surface of the ointment duringuse.

In general, the ratio of total hydrophilic component to totalhydrophobic component (water insoluble ingredients) is at least 5:95weight ratio (wt/wt), preferably at least 10:90 wt/wt, more preferablyat least 15:85 wt/wt, and even more preferably at least 20:80 wt/wt.Levels as high as 30:70, 40:60, and 50:50 wt/wt of total hydrophiliccomponent to total hydrophobic component (water insoluble ingredients)or higher may be appropriate for certain compositions.

Certain compositions may be solutions, emulsions (one liquid/gel/pastedispersed in another liquid/gel/paste), dispersions (solid inliquid/paste/gel), or combinations thereof.

A hydrophilic material is typically a compound that has a solubility inwater of at least 7 wt-%, preferably at least 10 wt-%, more preferablyat least 20 wt-%, even more preferably at least 25 wt-%, and even morepreferably at least 40 wt-%, at 23° C. Most preferably, a hydrophiliccomponent is infinitely miscible with water at 23° C.

Exemplary hydrophilic components include, but are not limited to, water,polyhydric alcohols, lower alkyl ethers (i.e., having a sufficientlysmall number of carbon atoms to meet the solubility limit above),N-methylpyrrolidone, alkyl esters (i.e., having a sufficiently smallnumber of carbon atoms to meet the solubility limit above), and thelower monohydroxy alcohols discussed above as enhancers, as well ascombinations thereof. Thus, a lower monohydroxy alcohol can function asboth a hydrophilic compound and an enhancer. Preferably, the hydrophiliccomponents include polyhydric alcohols, lower alkyl ethers, and shortchain esters. More preferably, the hydrophilic components includepolyhydric alcohols.

Suitable polyhydric alcohols (i.e., organic compounds having more thanone hydroxyl group) have a molecular weight of less than 500, preferablyless than 400, and more preferably less than 200. Examples of polyhydricalcohols include, but are not limited to, glycerol, propylene glycol,dipropylene glycol, tripropylene glycol, polypropylene glycol,polyethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, pentaerythritol,trimethylolpropane, trimethylolethane, trimethylolbutane, sorbitol,mannitol, xylitol, pantothenol, ethylene glycol adducts of polyhydricalcohol, propylene oxide adducts of polyhydric alcohol, 1,3-butanediol,dipropylene glycol, diglycerine, polyglycerine, erythritol, sorbitan,sugars (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose, mannose, xylose, saccharose,trehalose), sugar alcohols, and the like. Certain preferred polyhydricalcohols include glycols (i.e., those containing two hydroxyl groups)including glycerin and propylene glycol. Certain other preferredpolyhydric alcohols include sucrose, xylitol, mannitol, and sorbitol.

Ethers include materials such as dimethylisosorbide, polyethylene glycoland methoxypolyethylene glycols, block and random copolymers of ethyleneoxide and propylene oxide, and laureth-4. Alkyl esters includetriacetin, methyl acetate, methyl lactate, ethyl lactate esters, estersof polyethoxylated glycols, and combinations thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, the hydrophilic components useful inthe compositions of the present invention include those selected fromthe group consisting of glycols, and in particular glycerin andpropylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Most preferably, the hydrophiliccomponent is selected to match the polyhydric alcohol portion of anyfatty acid monoester of a polyhydric alcohol antimicrobial present. Forexample, if the antimicrobial agent was glycerolmonolaurate (monolaurin)the most preferred hydrophilic component is glycerin. In this manner,any transesterification reaction that may occur with the carrier solventdoes not produce an undesirable by-product. If there are othercomponents in the composition that may esterify with hydroxylfunctionalhydrophilic components, conditions are selected to minimize thisoccurrence. For example, the components are not heated together forextended periods of time, and/or the pH is close to neutral if possible,etc.

One or more hydrophilic materials may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Incertain preferred embodiments that also include the hydrophobiccomponent as the primary component (i.e., the component used in thegreatest amount and referred to as a “vehicle”), the hydrophiliccomponent is present in a total amount of at least 0.1%, preferably atleast 1 wt-%, more preferably at least 4 wt-%, and even more preferablyat least 8 wt-%, based on the weight of the ready to use composition. Incertain embodiments, for example, when faster rate of kill is desired,higher levels of hydrophilic component may be employed. In these casesthe hydrophilic component is present in a total amount of at least 10wt-%, more preferably at least 20 wt-%, and even more preferably atleast 25 wt-%.

In a preferred embodiment, the hydrophilic component is present in atotal amount of no greater than 70 wt-%, preferably no greater than 60wt-%, more preferably no greater than 40 wt-%, even more preferably nogreater than 30 wt-%, based on the ready to use composition. When thehydrophilic component is present in the greatest amount it is referredto as a “vehicle.”

For certain applications, it may be desirable to formulate theantimicrobial lipid in compositions including a hydrophilic componentvehicle that is thickened with soluble, swellable, or insoluble (e.g.insoluble) organic polymeric thickeners or inorganic thickeners such assilica, fumed silica, precipitated silica, silica aerogel and carbonblack, and the like; other particle fillers such as calcium carbonate,magnesium carbonate, kaolin, talc, titanium dioxide, aluminum silicate,diatomaceous earth, ferric oxide and zinc oxide, clays, and the like;ceramic microspheres or glass microbubbles; ceramic microspheres suc asthose available under the tradenames “ZEOSPHERES” or “Z-LIGHT” from 3MCompany, St. Paul, Minn. The above fillers can be used alone or incombination.

If water is used in certain embodiments, it is preferably present in anamount of less than 20%, preferably less than 10 wt-%, more preferablyless than 5 wt-%, and even more preferably less than 2 wt-%, based onthe ready to use composition. This helps the chemical stability of thecompositions and may reduce irritation. For certain other embodiments,water can be used in a much greater amount, and can even be the primarycomponent, as long as the composition is highly viscous. Preferably,such highly viscous compositions have a viscosity of at least 500centipoise (cps), more preferably at least 1,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 10,000 cps, even more preferably at least 20,000cps, even more preferably at least 50,000 cps, even more preferably atleast 75,000 cps, even more preferably at least 100,000 cps, and evenmore preferably at least 250,000 cps (and even as high as 500,000 cps,1,000,000 cps, or more). The viscosity can be measured as describedbelow in the Viscosity Test. Most preferred compositions meet theseviscosity values even after heating to 32° C. or even 35° C. or as highas 37° C. to ensure when in contact with mammalian tissue thecompositions remain substantive.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the compositions have aviscosity of at least 20 cps, preferably at least 100 cps, when measuredby the Viscosity Test described herein. Higher viscosities are preferredto reduce migration as well as to provide substantivity (resistance toremoval by fluids) to ensure long-term antimicrobial activity.

Hydrophobic Component

Certain preferred compositions of the present invention also include oneor more hydrophobic materials. In certain embodiments, the hydrophobiccomponent can be the same as the antimicrobial lipid component. Ahydrophobic material is typically an organic compound, which at 23° C.is a liquid, gelatinous, semisolid or solid and has a solubility inwater of less than 5% by weight, preferably less than 1% by weight, morepreferably less than 0.5% by weight, and even more preferably less than0.1% by weight. These materials include compounds typically consideredemollients in the cosmetic art.

Examples of general emollients include, but are not limited to, shortchain (i.e., C1-C6) alkyl or (C6-C12)aryl esters of long (i.e., C8-C36)straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl alcohols or acids andpolyethoxylated derivatives of the alcohols; short chain (i.e., C1-C6)alkyl or (C6-C12)aryl esters of (C4-C12)diacids or (C4-C12)diolsoptionally substituted in available positions by —OH; (C2-C18)alkyl or(C6-C12)aryl esters of glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol,propylene glycol, as well as polyethoxylated derivatives of these;(C12-C22)alkyl esters or (C12-C22)ethers of polypropylene glycol;(C12-C22)alkyl esters or (C12-C22)ethers of polypropyleneglycol/polyethylene glycol copolymer; and polyether polysiloxanecopolymers. Additional examples of hydrophobic components include cyclicdimethicones, including volatile cyclic silicones such as D3 and D4,polydialkylsiloxanes, polyaryl/alkylsiloxanes, silicone copolyols, longchain (i.e., C8-C36) alkyl and alkenyl esters of long (i.e., C8-C18)straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl alcohols or acids, longchain (i.e., C8-C36) alkyl and alkenyl amides of long straight orbranched chain (i.e., C8-C36) alkyl or alkenyl amines or acids;hydrocarbons including straight and branched chain alkanes and alkenessuch as isoparafins (e.g., isooctane, isododecane, isooctadecane, etc.),squalene, and mineral oil, polysiloxane polyalkylene copolymers,dialkoxy dimethyl polysiloxanes; (C12-C22)alkyl and (C12-C22)alkenylalcohols, and petroleum derived alkanes such as isoparafins, petrolatum,petrolatum USP, as well as refined natural oils (especially NF or USPgrades) such as olive oil NF, cotton seed oil, peanut oil, corn oil,seasame oil, safflower oil, soybean oil, and the like, and blendsthereof. In certain preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic componentsuseful in the compositions of the present invention include thoseselected from the group consisting of petrolatum USP and short chain(i.e., C1-C6) alkyl or (C6-C12)aryl esters of long (i.e., C8-C36)straight or branched chain alkyl or alkenyl alcohols or acids andpolyethoxylated derivatives of the alcohols; short chain (i.e., C1-C6)alkyl or (C6-C12)aryl esters of (C4-C12)diacids or (C4-C12)diolsoptionally substituted in available positions by —OH (such asdiisopropyladipate, diisopropylsebacate); (C1-C9)alkyl or (C6-C12)arylesters of glycerol, pentaerythritol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol(such as glyceryl tricaprylate/caprate); and mixtures thereof. Forcertain particularly preferred embodiments, the hydrophobic component ispetrolatum.

One or more hydrophobic materials may be used in the compositions of thepresent invention at a suitable level to produce the desired result. Ina preferred embodiment (in which the compositions include very little orno water), the hydrophobic component is present in a total amount of atleast 50 wt-%, more preferably at least 70 wt-%, and even morepreferably at least 80 wt-%, based on the ready to use composition. In apreferred embodiment, the hydrophobic component is present in a totalamount of no greater than 99 wt-%, more preferably no greater than 95wt-%, and even more preferably no greater than 92 wt-%, based on theready to use composition. When the hydrophobic component is present inthe greatest amount it is referred to as a “vehicle.” In thoseformulations where the hydrophobic component(s) and the hydrophiliccomponent(s) are present at the same concentrations, the continuousphase is considered the “vehicle.”

Optional Additives

Compositions of the present invention may additionally employ adjunctcomponents conventionally found in pharmaceutical compositions in theirart-established fashion and at their art-established levels. Thus, forexample, the compositions may contain additional compatiblepharmaceutically active materials for combination therapy (such assupplementary antimicrobials, anti-parasitic agents, antipruritics,astringents, local anaesthetics, steroids, non-steroidalanti-imflammatory agents, or other anti-inflammatory agents), or maycontain materials useful in physically formulating various dosage formsof the present invention, such as excipients, dyes, perfumes,lubricants, thickening agents, stabilizers, skin penetration enhancers,preservatives, or antioxidants.

It will be appreciated by the skilled artisan that the levels or rangesselected for the required or optional components described herein willdepend upon whether one is formulating a composition for direct use, ora concentrate for dilution prior to use, as well as the specificcomponent selected, the ultimate end-use of the composition, and otherfactors well known to the skilled artisan.

It will also be appreciated that additional antiseptics, disinfectants,or antibiotics may be included and are contemplated. These include, forexample, addition of metals such as silver, copper, zinc; iodine andiodophors; chlorhexidine and its various salts such as chlorhexidinedigluconate; polyhexamethylenebiguanide, parachlorometaxylenol,triclosan, antimicrobial quatemarly amines including polymericquaternary amines, “azole” antifungal agents including clortrimazole,miconazole, econazole, ketoconazole, and salts thereof; and the like.Antibiotics such as neomycin sulfate, bacitracin, mupirocin, polymyxin,rifampin, tetracycline, and the like, also may be included. Preferredcompositions, however, are free of antibiotics due to the chance ofresistance formation.

Formulations and Methods of Preparation

Many of the compositions of the present invention have exceptional broadspectrum antimicrobial activity and thus are generally not terminallysterilized but if necessary may be sterilized by a variety of industrystandard techniques. For example, it may be preferred to sterilize thecompositions in their final packaged form using electron beam. It mayalso be possible to sterilize the sample by gamma radiation or heat.Other forms of sterilization may be acceptable. It may also be suitableto include preservatives in the formulation to prevent growth of certainorganisms. Suitable preservatives include industry standard compoundssuch as Parabens (methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, isobutyl, etc), 2bromo-2 nitro-1,3 diol; 5 bromo-5-nitro-1,3 dioxane, chlorbutanol,diazolidinyl urea; iodopropylnyl butylcarbamate, phenoxyethanol,halogenated cresols, methylchloroisothiazolinone and the like, as wellas combinations of these compounds.

The compositions of the present invention preferably adhere well tomammalian tissues (particularly, skin, mucosal tissue, and wounds), inorder to deliver the antimicrobial to the intended site over a prolongedperiod even in the presence of perspiration, drainage (e.g., mucosalsecretions), or mild lavage. The compositions are typically non-aqueous,although high viscosity compositions can include a large amount ofwater. The component in the greatest amount (i.e., the vehicle) in theformulations of the invention may be any conventional vehicle commonlyused for topical treatment of human or animal skin. The formulations aretypically selected from one of the following three types: (1) anhydrousor nearly anhydrous formulations with a hydrophobic vehicle (i.e., thehydrophobic component, which can include one or more hydrophobiccompounds, is present in the greatest amount); (2) anhydrous or nearlyanhydrous formulations with a hydrophilic vehicle (i.e., the hydrophiliccomponent, which can include one or more hydrophilic compounds, ispresent in the greatest amount); and (3) highly viscous water-basedformulations. These are discussed below.

(1) Anhydrous or Nearly Anhydrous Formulations with a HydrophobicVehicle. In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, thecompositions include an antimicrobial lipid component in a hydrophobicvehicle in combination with surfactant(s), an enhancer component, and asmall amount of a hydrophilic component. In most instances the enhancersare not soluble in the hydrophobic component at room temperaturealthough they may be at elevated temperatures. The hydrophilic componentis generally present in a sufficient amount to stabilize (preferably tosolubilize) the enhancer(s) in the composition. For example, whenformulating with organic acid enhancers or certain solid surfactants inpetrolatum many enhancers and surfactants will dissolve into thepetrolatum at temperatures above 85° C.; however, upon cooling, theenhancer and/or surfactant crystals or precipitates back out of solutionmaking it difficult to produce a uniform formulation. If at least 0.1%,and preferably at least 1.0%, more preferably at least 5%, and mostpreferably at least 10 wt-%, of a hydrophilic compound (e.g., a glycol)is added, a stable formulation can be obtained. It is believed thatthese formulations produce an emulsion in which the enhancer and/orsurfactant is dissolved, emulsified, or dispersed in the hydrophiliccomponent which is emulsified into the hydrophobic component(s). Thesecompositions are stable upon cooling and centrifuging.

The hydrophilic component also helps to stabilize many of thesurfactants used in preferred formulations. For example,dioctylsulfosuccinate sodium salt (DOSS) dissolves in glycerin atelevated temperatures and helps keep the DOSS physically stable in thecomposition. Furthermore, it is believed that incorporation of thehydrophilic component in the formulation improves the antimicrobialactivity. The mechanism for this is unknown; however, it may speed therelease of the enhancer component and/or the antimicrobial lipidcomponent.

The water content of these formulations is preferably less than 20%,preferably less than 10 wt-%, more preferably less than 5 wt-%, and evenmore preferably less than 2 wt-%, in order to minimize hydrolysis of anyester based antimicrobial lipid present.

Furthermore, it has been found that it is particularly desirable wherethe antimicrobial lipid component includes an ester to use eitherglycerin or propylene glycol in the hydrophilic component. It is mostpreferred to use a hydrophilic compound that is identical to the glycolportion of the antimicrobial lipid, e.g., propylene glycol with thepropylene glycol esters and glycerin with the glycerin esters. In thismanner, transesterification of the antimicrobial lipid ester with thehydrophilic compound will not result in additional chemical speciespresent. In fact, there is some evidence to show that use ofglycerolmonolaurate, which is 95% pure, when formulated with glycerin asa hydrophilic compound results in formation of additional glycerolmonolaurate due to transesterification of the diester with the glycerinto produce two moles of the monoester. For this reason, it may bepossible to initially formulate with lower grade glycerin ester thatcontains considerable levels of diester present, as long as ittransesterifies during manufacture and/or storage to produce aformulation that includes less than 15% diester and preferably less than5% diester based on the total weight of antimicrobial lipid present.

These formulations can be relatively easily manufactured by firstheating the hydrophobic component to 85° C., adding in the surfactant,hydrophilic component, and enhancer component, cooling to 65° C., andadding the antimicrobial lipid component above its melting point.Alternatively, the enhancer component can be predissolved in thehydrophilic component (optionally along with the surfactant) and addedto the hydrophobic component either before or after addition of theantimicrobial lipid component. If either the antimicrobial lipidcomponent or the hydrophobic component are solids at room temperaturethis is done at the minimum temperature necessary to melt allcomponents. Exposure of ester containing antimicrobial lipids toenhancers that include either acid or ether groups to elevatedtemperatures for extended periods of time should be avoided to preventtransesterification reactions (unless this is deliberate in the case ofutilizing lower purity fatty acid esters in combination with glycolhydrophilic components to produce the monoesters as discussed above).

Thus, the present invention provides methods of manufacture. Onepreferred method involves: dissolving the enhancer component in thehydrophilic component; combining the hydrophobic vehicle and thehydrophilic component with the enhancer component dissolved therein withmixing to form a mixture; optionally heating the hydrophobic vehicle toa temperature sufficient to form a pourable liquid (which for manyhydrophobic vehicles this is above its melting point) before or aftercombining it with the hydrophilic component and enhancer component;adding the antimicrobial lipid component to the mixture; and cooling themixture before or after adding the antimicrobial lipid component.

The hydrophilic component may or may not be present in the formulationsthat include a hydrophobic vehicle. Thus, another preferred method ofmanufacture involves: combining the enhancer component and thehydrophobic vehicle with mixing to form a mixture; optionally heatingthe hydrophobic vehicle to a temperature sufficient to form a pourableliquid (which for many hydrophobic vehicles is above its melting point)before or after combining it with the enhancer component; adding theantimicrobial lipid component to the mixture with mixing; and coolingthe mixture before or after adding the antimicrobial lipid component.

Surprisingly, it has been found that these compositions aresignificantly less irritating than formulations using completelyhydrophilic components. In blind human trials participants were asked toinstill 0.5 gram (g) of ointments based on hydrophobic components (e.g.,petrolatum) that include an AHA enhancer, surfactant, and 10%hydrophilic component (e.g., glycerin) as well as ointments based onhydrophilic components (e.g., PEG 400) using the same enhancer andsurfactant. Surprisingly, the ointments based on the hydrophobiccomponent were preferred by 100% of the participants.

The viscosity of these formulations intended for use on skin or in theanterior nares is preferably relatively high to prevent excessivedrainage off the treatment site. In this regard the viscosity ispreferably at least 500 Centipoise (cps), more preferably at least 1,000cps, even more preferably at least 10,000 cps, even more preferably atleast 20,000 cps, even more preferably at least 50,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 75,000 cps, even more preferably at least 100,000cps, and even more preferably at least 250,000 cps (and even as high as500,000 cps, 1,000,000 cps, or more). The viscosity can be measured asdescribed below in the Viscosity Test.

Most preferably, the formulations intended for use on skin, anteriornares, or where drainage would be a concern are essentially gelatinousat room temperature, having a significant yield point such that they donot flow readily at temperatures below 35° C. The viscosity is measuredusing the viscosity test described herein. Certain gelatinous vehiclesmay also have a characteristic temperature at which they “melt” or beginto dramatically lose viscosity. Preferably this is higher than bodytemperature also to ensure that excess drainage of the composition ofthe treatment site does not occur. Therefore, the melting point of thecomposition is preferably greater than 32° C., more preferably greaterthan 35° C., and even more preferably greater than 37° C. The meltingpoint is taken as the lowest temperature at which the viscosity becomesdramatically less or is equal to or less than 100,000 cps.

Similarly the viscosity and/or melt temperature can be enhanced byeither incorporating a crystalline or semicrystalline hydrophobiccarrier such as a higher melting petrolatum, addition of an insolublefiller/thixotrope, or by addition of a polymeric thickener (e.g., apolyethylene wax in a petrolatum vehicle). Polymeric thickeners may belinear, branched, or slightly crosslinked. It is important for comfortthat the formulations are relatively soft and that they spread easily toallow easy application, especially over a wound, rash, or infected areaor in the anterior nares. A particularly preferred vehicle for use onskin, in the anterior nares, or in other areas where high viscosity isdesirable is white petrolatum USP having a melting point greater than40° C.

(2) Water in Oil Emulsions. Antimicrobial lipid components of thisinvention can be formulated into water-in-oil emulsions in combinationwith enhancer(s) and surfactant(s). Particularly preferred compositionscomprise at least 35%, preferably at least 40%, more preferably at least45%, and most preferably at least 50%, by weight oil phase. As usedherein the oil phase includes all components which are either notsoluble in water or preferentially soluble in the oil(s) present at 23°C. One method of preparing these emulsions is described in Applicants'Assignee's Copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/966,511, filedon Sep. 28, 2001. Generally speaking, the hydrophobic component (oil) ismixed in Container A along with any emulsifier(s) optionally includingpolymeric emulsifiers and heated to a temperature sufficient to ensure ahomogenous composition and subsequent stable emulsion. The temperatureis typically raised to at least 60° C., preferably to at least 80° C.,and more preferably to 100° C. or more. In a separate Container B, thehydrophilic ingredients are mixed, including one or more of thefollowing: water, hydrophilic component, enhancer(s), surfactant(s), andacids/bases to adjust the pH of the final composition. The contents ofcontainer B are heated to a temperature sufficient to ensure a stablefinal emulsion composition without significantly degrading any of thecomponents, typically to a temperature greater than 40° C., preferablygreater than 50° C., and more preferably greater than 60° C. While hot,container B is added to container A using a high shear mixer. Thecomposition may be continuously mixed until cool (e.g., to a temperatureof less than 40° C.) or it can be allowed to sit as long as the contentsremain uniformly mixed. If the antimicrobial lipid is heat sensitive, itis added with mixing during the cooling down period. If it is not heatsensitive, it may be added to either container A or container B. Theviscosity of these compositions may be adjusted by altering the levelsof emulsifier; changing the ratio of water to oil phase; selection ofthe oil phase (e.g., select from an oil (hydrophobic component), whichis more or less viscous); incorporation of a polymeric or particulatethickener, etc.

(3) Hydrophilic Vehicle. Antimicrobial lipid components of thisinvention can be formulated into a hydrophilic component such as thatbased on the hydrophilic compounds (discussed above) optionally incombination with the enhancer(s) and surfactant(s). Particularlypreferred are polyethylene glycols (PEGs), including blends of differentmolecular weight PEGs, optionally containing one or more glycols. Whenusing a hydrophilic component as the vehicle (i.e., the component usedin the greatest amount, which can include one or more hydrophiliccompounds), it should be preferably selected to maintain viscosity andmelt temperature characteristics similar to those stated above for theanhydrous or nearly anhydrous formulations using a hydrophobic vehicle.

Similarly the viscosity can be enhanced by either incorporating acrystalline or semicrystalline hydrophilic compound such as a PEG ofsufficient molecular weight, addition of an insoluble filler/thixotrope,or by addition of a polymeric thickener. Polymeric thickeners may belinear, branched, or slightly crosslinked. It is desirablefor comfortthat the formulations are relatively soft and that they spread easily toallow easy application, especially in the anterior nares or over awound, rash, or infected area. For this reason, a particularly preferredvehicle is based on a blend of a liquid or semisolid PEG (PEG 400-1000)with a more crystalline PEG (PEG 1000-2000). Particularly preferred is ablend of PEG 400 with PEG 1450 in a ratio of 4:1.

In certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, thecompositions are in the form of an ointment or cream. That is, thecompositions are in the form of a relatively viscous state such thatthey are suitable for application to nasal passageways. Preferably, suchcompositions have a viscosity of at least 500 Centipoise (cps), morepreferably at least 1,000 cps, even more preferably at least 10,000 cps,even more preferably at least 20,000 cps, even more preferably at least50,000 cps, even more preferably at least 75,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 100,000 cps, and even more preferably at least250,000 cps (and even as high as 500,000 cps, 1,000,000 cps, or more).The viscosity can be measured as described below in the Viscosity Test.Preferred formulations have high viscosity even after application tomammalian tissue at 32-37° C.

(4) Water-based Formulations. Aqueous compositions of the presentinvention are those in which water is present in the greatest amount,thereby forming the “vehicle.” For these systems it is particularlyimportant that a relatively high viscosity be imparted to thecomposition to ensure that the antimicrobial composition is not rapidlydispersed off the afflicted area. These formulations also adhere well totissue and thus deliver the antimicrobial to the intended site over aprolonged period even in the presence of perspiration, drainage (e.g.,mucosal secretions), or mild lavage. Such a high viscosity can beimparted by a thickener system. The thickener system of the invention iscompatible with the antimicrobial lipid composition described above inorder to provide suitable antimicrobial efficacy, chemical and physicalstability, acceptable cosmetic properties, and appropriate viscosity forretention in the afflicted area.

Preferably, compositions of this invention have a viscosity of at least500 Centipoise (cps), more preferably at least 1,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 10,000 cps, even more preferably at least 20,000cps, even more preferably at least 50,000 cps, even more preferably atleast 75,000 cps, even more preferably at least 100,000 cps, and evenmore preferably at least 250,000 cps (and even as high as 500,000 cps,1,000,000 cps, or more). The viscosity can be measured as describedbelow in the Viscosity Test. Preferred formulations have high viscosityeven after application to mammalian tissue at 32-37° C. Because certainoptional ingredients, such as enhancers, hydrophilic compounds,hydrophobic compounds, and the like, may effect the viscosity (eitherpositively or negatively), the measured viscosity is that of the finalcomposition.

Preferred thickener systems used in the compositions of the presentinvention are capable of producing viscoelastic compositions that arevery stable. By varying the amount and type of thickener, the degree ofelasticity can be adjusted from almost a purely viscous composition to ahighly elastic and even gel-like composition. If emollients are added,increasing the elasticity and/or yield stress of the system impartsadded stability to prevent separation of immiscible emollients.Excessive elasticity, however, is not preferred because an excessivelyelastic composition usually does not provide a cosmetically appealingproduct.

Significantly, thickener systems used in the present invention arecapable of achieving high viscosities at relatively low totalconcentrations. The total concentration of the thickener system ispreferably less than 8 wt-%, more preferably less than 5 wt-%, and mostpreferably less than 3 wt-%, based on the total weight of the ready touse composition. Preferably, the total concentration of the thickenersystem can be as little as 0.5 wt-%, based on the total weight of thecomposition. For certain embodiments, however, the total concentrationof thickener system is greater than 1 wt-%, based on the total weight ofthe ready to use composition.

The thickener system can include organic polymers or inorganicthixotropes such as silica gel, clays (such as betonite, laponite,hectorite, montmorrillonite and the like), as well as organicallymodified inorganic particulates materials, and the like. As used herein,an organic polymer is considered part of the thickener system if itspresence in the composition results in an increase in the viscosity ofthe composition. Certain polymers that do not have these characteristicsmay also be present in the composition but do not contributesignificantly to the viscosity of the composition. For purposes of thisinvention, they are not considered part of the thickener system. Forexample, certain nonionic polymers such as lower molecular weightpolyethylene glycols (e.g., those having a molecular weight of less than20,000) do not increase the viscosity of the composition significantly.These are considered part of the hydrophilic component, for example,rather than part of the thickener system.

The thickener system can be prepared from one or more nonionic,cationic, anionic, zwitterionic, or associative polymers as long as theyare compatible with the antimicrobial lipid and enhancer components ofthe composition. For example, certain acidic enhancers such as thosethat include carboxylic acid groups are most effective in theirprotonated form. This requires that the composition has an acidic pH.For this reason, many anionic thickeners based on neutralized carboxylicacid groups would not be suitable. For example, Carbopol-type thickenersbased on polyacrylic acid salts do not typically thicken well at pHvalues of less than 5 and certainly less than a pH of 4.5. Therefore, atlower pH values (i.e., when acidic enhancers are present) if the aqueouscompositions are thickened with anionic polymers, the polymers arepreferably based on sulfonic acid, sulfate, phosphonic acid, orphosphate groups. These polymers are able to thicken at much lower pHvalues due to the lower pKa of these acid groups.

Preferred polymers of this class include ARISTOFLEX HMB (ammoniumacryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer) andARISTOFLEX ASV (ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/NVP copolymer) fromClariant Corporation. Other preferred sulfonic acid polymers are thosedescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,955.

Preferably, the compositions that include an acidic enhancer componentare thickened using cationic or nonionic thickeners since these performwell at low pH. In addition, many of the nonionic and cationic polymerscan tolerate higher levels of salts and other additives and stillmaintain high viscosity.

A preferred group of nonionic polymeric thickeners include modifiedcelluloses, guar, xanthan gum, and other natural polymers such aspolysaccharides and proteins, associative polymers based on nonionicethylenically unsaturated monomers wherein at least one comonomer has atleast 16 carbon atoms, and polymers based on ethylenically unsaturatedmonomers selected from the group consisting of acrylates, acrylamides,vinyl lactams, vinyl acetate and its hydrolyzed derivatives, methylvinyl ethers, styrene, and acrylonitrile.

A preferred group of cationic polymeric thickeners include cationicallymodified celluloses, quaternized natural amino-functional polymers, andpolymers based on ethylenically unsaturated monomers selected from thegroup consisting of acrylates, acrylamides, vinyl lactams, vinylacetates, methyl vinyl ethers, styrene, and acrylonitrile.

Cationic polymers for use in the compositions of this invention can beselected from both permanently charged quaternary polymers (thosepolymers with quaternary amines such as Polyquaternium 4, 10, 24, 32,and 37, described below) as well as protonated primary, secondary, andtertiary amine functional polymers that have been protonated with asuitable protonic acid. Preferred protonated cationic polymers are basedon tertiary amines. The protonated cationic polymers are preferablyprotonated with suitable acids that will not result in undue skinirritation. These include, for example, (C1-C10)alkylcarboxylic acidsoptionally substituted by oxygen (e.g., acetic acid, alpha-hydroxy acidssuch as lactic acid, gluconic acid, benzoic acid, mandelic acid, and thelike), (C1-C10)alkylsulfonic acids (e.g., methylsulfonic acid andethylsulfonic acid), (C1-C10)alkylhydrogensulfates (e.g.,methylhydrogensulfate) and mineral acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid,hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, and the like).

The charge on protonated cationic polymers is pH dependent. For thisreason, in order to ensure the polymer is sufficiently protonated, thepH is adjusted appropriately and should be in the range of preferably2-9.5, more preferably 2-8, and most preferably 2.5-7.5. The pH ofpreferred compositions that include acidic enhancers should be lower andis typically 2-5, and preferably 2-4. It should be noted that it is notnecessary to have all of the amines on a particular polymer protonated.The level of protonation will to a certain extent be pH dependent. Withcertain polymers in order to obtain optimum thickening with low skinirriation it may be beneficial to only protonate a small percentage ofthe available amine groups while with other polymers it may bebeneficial to protonate substantially all of the amine groups. This willbe easily determined by one skilled in the art.

The quaternary, tertiary, secondary, and primary amine functionalpolymers may be chosen from natural polymers, modified natural polymers,as well as synthetic polymers. These polymers may be soluble orswellable in the aqueous solvent. Furthermore, these polymers may alsopossess hydrophobic side chains and thus be associative polymers.

Polymers can be classified as soluble, swellable, or associative in theaqueous compositions. Some polymers may fall into one or more of theseclasses. For example, certain associative polymers can be soluble in theaqeuous system. Whether they are considered soluble, swellable, orassociative in the aqueous system, suitable polymers for use in thecompositions of the present invention may be film forming or not. Filmforming polymers may retain the active antimicrobial component at theafflicted site for longer periods of time. This may be desirable forcertain applications. For example, some film forming polymers mayproduce compositions that could not be easily washed off with waterafter being applied and dried.

As used herein, a soluble polymer is one that in dilute solution (i.e.,0.01-0.1 wt-% in the desired aqueous solvent system defined ascontaining water and any other hydrophilic compounds), after heating fora sufficient time to ensure solubilization of any potentially solublecomponents, has no significant observable particles of greater than 1micron in particle size, as determined by light scattering measurementsusing, for example, Malvem Masterisizer E Laser Particle Size Analyzeravailable from Malvem Co., Boston, Mass.

As used herein, a swellable polymer is one that in dilute solution(i.e., 0.01-0.1 wt-% in the desired aqueous solvent system), afterheating for a sufficient time to ensure solubilization of anypotentially soluble components, has a significant (i.e., detectable)number of observable particles of greater than 1 micron in particlesize, as determined by light scattering measurements using, for example,Malvem Masterisizer E Laser Particle Size Analyzer.

As used herein, an associative polymer is one that has greater than 2hydrophobic chains per polymer molecule of greater than 16 carbon atoms.Examples of such polymers are as follows.

Soluble Polymers—Cationic Natural Polymer Derivatives. Cationic modifiedcellulosic polymers are reported in the literature to be soluble inwater. Such polymers have been found to be useful in the presentinvention. The most preferred modified cellulose products are sold underthe trade names CELQUAT (National Starch and Chemicals Corp.,Bridgewater, N.J.) and UCARE (Amerchol Corporation, Edison, N.J.).CELQUAT is a copolymer of a polyethoxylated cellulose anddimethyldiallyl ammonium chloride and has the Cosmetic, Toiletry andFragrance Association (CTFA) designation Polyquaternium-4.

An alkyl modified quaternary ammonium salt of hydroxyethyl cellulose anda trimethyl ammonium chloride substituted epoxide can also be used. Thepolymer conforms to the CTFA designation Polyquaternium 24 and iscommercially available as QUATRISOFT LM-200 from Amerchol Corp., Edison,N.J.

A particularly suitable type of cationic polysaccharide polymer that canbe used is a cationic guar gum derivative, such as guarhydroxypropyltrimonium chloride (Commercially available fromRhone-Poulenc under the trade designation JAGUAR).

Soluble Polymers—Cationic Synthetic Polymers. Synthetic cationic linearpolymers useful in the present invention are preferably quite high incationic charge density—generally having greater than 10 wt-% cationicmonomer, preferably greater than 25 wt-%, and more preferably greaterthan 50 wt-%. This ensures a good cosmetic feel and may actually improvewater solubility. In general, the polymers useful in the presentinvention have sufficient molecular weight to achieve thickening atgenerally less than 5 wt-% polymer, but not too high that thelotion/cream/ointment feels slimy and stringy. While the composition ofthe polymer will dramatically affect the molecular weight at whichsufficient thickening will occur, the polymers preferably have amolecular weight of at least 250,000 daltons, and more preferably atleast 500,000 daltons. The polymers preferably have a molecular weightof no greater than 3,000,000 daltons, and more preferably no greaterthan 1,000,000 daltons. The homopolymers are preferably prepared frommethacryloyloxyalkyl trialkyl ammonium salt, acryloyloxyalkyl trialkylammonium salt, and/or quaternized dialkylaminoalkylacrylamidine salt.Preferably the polymers are copolymers of at least two monomers selectedfrom the group consisting of trialkylaminoalkyl acrylate andmethacrylate salts, dialkyldiallyl ammonium salts,acrylamidoalkyltrialkyl salts, methacrylamidoalkyltrialkyl salts, andalkyl imidazolinium salts, N-vinyl pyrrolidinone, N-vinyl caprolactam,methyl vinyl ether, acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, acrylonitrile,and combinations thereof. Typically, for the salts the counterions arepreferably F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, and CH₃(CH₂)_(n)SO₄ ⁻ where n=0-4.

A variety of quaternary copolymers of varying quaternization, can besynthesized based on homo or copolymers of amino acrylates with methyl,ethyl, or propyl side chains. These monomers could also be copolymerizedwith other nonionic monomers including quaternary acrylic homopolymers,such as homopolymers of 2-methacryloxyethyl trimethylammonium chlorideand 2-methacryloxyethyl methyl diethyl ammonium bromide; and copolymersof quaternary acrylate monomers with a water-soluble monomers, such asPetrolite Product No. Q-0043, a proprietary copolymer of a linearquaternary acrylate and acrylamide at high molecular weight (4-5 millionMW).

Another useful soluble cationic polymer isN,N-dimethylaminopropyl-N-acrylamidine (which is quaternized withdiethylsulfate) bound to a block of polyacrylonitrile. This blockcopolymer is available under the trade designation Hypan QT-100 fromLipo Chemicals Inc., Paterson, N.J. It is quite effective at thickeningaqueous systems and has a good cosmetic feel. This polymer as received,however, has an objectionable amine odor. The odor could probably bemasked with the proper fragrance, but is preferably removed prior toformulation (e.g., with a solvent cleaning process) so that theformulation can be supplied without fragrance. Preferred compositionsare free of fragrances and colorants.

Suitable cationic polymers include, for example, copolymers of1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidine and 1-vinyl-3-methyl-imidazolium salt (e.g.chloride salt), referred to in the industry by the Cosmetic, Toiletry,and Fragrance Association, (CTFA) as Polyquaternium-16. This material iscommercially available from BASF Wyandotte Corp. (Parsippany, N.J., USA)under the LUVIQUAT tradename (e.g. LUVIQUAT FC 370); copolymers of1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidine and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, referred toin the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium-11. This material is availablecommercially from ICI Corp., Wayne, N.J., under the trade designationGAFQUAT; cationic diallyl quaternary ammonium-containing polymersincluding, for example, dimethyldiallyammonium chloride homopolymer andcopolymers of acrylamide and dimethyldiallylammonium chloride, referredto in the industry (CTFA) as Polyquaternium 6 and Polyquaternium 7,respectively.

Soluble Polymers-Nonionic. A variety of cellulosic ethers are reportedin the literature to be soluble in water. Materials in this class thatare nonionic and have been shown to be useful include:methylhydroxypropylcellulose, available as BENECEL MP 943 from Aqualon,Wilmington, Del.; hydroxypropylcellulose, available as KLUCEL (LF, GF,MF, HF) from Aqualon; hydroxybutylmethylcellulose (3.5% hydroxybutyl and30% methoxyl) from Scientific Polymer Products, Ontario, N.Y.; andhydroxyethylcelluloses, available under the trade designation NATROSOLfrom Aqualon. Xanthan gum, guar, locust bean gum, and otherpolysaccharides may also be suitable. These polymers may be producedfrom plant sources or can be produced through microbial cell culture.Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) also may be suitable. For example, PVA made frompolyvinyl acetate which has been hydrolyzed to 87% is highly watersoluble at room temperature. Those with higher percent hydrolysis becomeprogressively more crystalline and may need to be heated to get intosolution. Protein thickeners such as gelatin and pectin may also beuseful.

Amine oxide polymers such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,123,933and those commercially available under the trade designation DIAFORMERZ-711, Z-712, Z-731, and Z-751 from Clariant Corp. are useful.Additionally, zwitterionic polymers, such as methacryloyl ethylbetaine/acrylate copolymer that are commercially available under thetrade designation DIAFORMER Z-400 from Clariant Corp. can also be used.Zwitterionic polymers described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,590,051 may also beuseful.

Carboxylic acid functional polymers including naturally occurringcarboxylic acid functional polymers such as hyaluronic acid andderivatives of natural polymers such as carboxymethylcellulose, alginicacid and other alginate polymers, Fucogel (a polysaccharide consistingof three mono-saccharides, fucose, galactose, and galacturonic acid),hyaluronic acid, and the like, also may be useful. Synthetic polymersmay also be useful, such as those based on carboxylic acid, phosphonicacid, or sulfonic acid functional monomers, including but not limitedto, polymers derived from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, maleicanhydride, itaconic anhydride, sodium AMPS (the sodium salt of2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid), sulfopropyl acrylate ormethacrylate, sulphomethylated acrylamide, allyl sulphonate, sodiumvinyl sulphonate, combinations thereof, or other water-soluble forms ofthese or other polymerizable carboxylic or sulphonic acids.

Swellable Polymers. Many swellable polymers, which are slightlycrosslinked, function as viscosifiers in aqueous solvent systems. Ingeneral, these swellable polymers are preferred because they tend to befar less “slimy” going on and once the hands perspire and are exposed towater after treatment. Excessive crosslinking will result in polymersthat do not swell sufficiently to increase the viscosity of thecomposition. In order to ensure adequate swelling, if a chemicalcrosslinker is used, the concentration of crosslinker is quite low,e.g., less than 1000 parts per million (ppm), and preferably less than500 ppm, based on the weight of the dry polymer.

A class of crosslinked polymers suitable for use in the compositions ofthe present invention include acrylamide and at least one otherquaternary monomer selected from the group consisting oftrialkylaminoalkylacrylate and methacrylate salts, dialkyldiallylammonium salts, acrylamidoalkyltrialkyl ammonium salts,methacrylamidoalkyltrialkyl ammonium salts, and monomers that includeimidazolinium salts. The counterions are preferably F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, andCH₃(CH₂)_(n)SO₄ ⁻ where n=0-4. Other comonomers may also be addedincluding N-vinyl pyrrolidone, N-vinyl caprolactam, methyl vinyl ether,acrylates, methacrylates, styrene, and the like. A particularlypreferred polymer is a poly(2-methacryloxyethyl trimethyl ammoniumchloride) polydimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, which conforms to theCTFA designation Polyquaternium 37. Another preferred polymer includesacrylamide and methacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, whichconforms to the CTFA designation Polyquaternium 32. These arecommercially available from Allied Colloids Inc. of Suffolk, Va. asSALCARE SC95, SC96, and SC92.

Other swellable polymers (i.e., slightly crosslinked polymers) can beprepared using ionizing radiation to crosslink. For example, polymers ofN-vinyl lactams, such as N-vinyl pyrrolidone, when exposed to gammaradiation increase in molecular weight and may actually crosslink. Thiscrosslinking allows for more efficient thickening (less polymer requiredto achieve a certain viscosity) and an improved cosmetic feel. Otherpolymers that when exposed to gamma radiation result in crosslinking,include polymers such as LUVIQUAT HM 552 (copolymers of vinylimidazoliummethochloride and vinylpyrrolidone, which conforms to the CTFAdesignation Polyquaternium-16), and GAFQUAT HS-100(vinylpyrrolidone/methacrylamidopropyltrimethylammonium chloridecopolymer which conforms to the CTFA designation Polyquaternium-28).

Chemical crosslinking using polyunsaturated monomers such as diallylmaleate may also prove useful. Other suitable crosslinkers aremulti-ethylenically unsaturated compounds wherein the ethylenic groupsare vinyl groups (including substituted vinyl groups, such asisopropenyl groups), allyl groups, and/or methallyl groups, which groupsare bonded to nitrogen or oxygen atoms. Vinyl, allyl, and methallylgroups, as used herein, include substituted derivatives. Exemplarycompounds include divinyl, diallyl, or dimethallyl esters, ethers,amides, or ureas. Specific examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,225,473 (Duan) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,931,282 (Asmus et al.).

A range of crosslinked polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) materials have beenprepared via covalent crosslinking with diallyl maleate or by radiationcrosslinking of linear PVP powders. Crosslinked PVP prepared under thesetechniques can produce colloidal particles which are highly swellable inaqueous solutions and thereby produce viscous solutions. The polymersare also nonionic and have excellent compatibility with cationicexcipients.

Anionic swellable polymeric thickeners may also be useful. As describedabove preferred anionic polymers for use with antimicrobial compositionswhich include carboxylic acid functional enhancers (and are thusformulated at lower pH) are polymers having sulfonic acid, sulfonate,phosphonic acid, or phosphate groups.

Associative Polymers. Associative polymers can be used to thicken thecompositions of the present invention as well. Such polymers thicken asa result of hydrophobic or Van de Waals association of hydrophobic sidechains. Such associative polymers can form viscous to gelled aqueoussolutions despite their relatively low molecular weights. Polymers thatare alcoholic soluble can be modified by the addition of a long chainhydrophobic group. A preferred class of such associative polymers arebased on nonionic ethylenically unsaturated monomers wherein at leastone comonomer has at least 16 carbon atoms.

An example is cetyl hydroxyethylcellulose, available as NATROSOL PLUSfrom Aqualon, which utilizes an associative mechanism to enhance theviscosity it produces. Grafted side chains of cetyl alkyl groups canassociate with neighboring alkyl hydrophobes. These interpolymerassociations can dramatically increase the viscosification efficiency ofthe polymer. Longer chain alklyl, alkenyl, and aralkyl groups may alsobe suitable. For example, another preferred associative polymer isArsitoflex HMB, which is ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/beheneth-25methacrylate crosspolymer and is available from Clariant Corp.

(5) Neat Compositions. The compositions of the present invention alsomay be delivered to the treatment site in a neat form or in a volatilesolvent that rapidly evaporates to leave behind a neat composition. Suchcompositions may be solid, semisolid, or liquid. In the case where thecompositions are solid, the antimicrobial lipid and/or the enhancerand/or the surfactant may optionally be microencapsulated to eithersustain the delivery or facilitate manufacturing a powder, which iseasily delivered. Alternatively, the composition can be micronized intoa fine powder without the addition of other components or it mayoptionally contain fillers and other ingredients that facilitate powdermanufacture. Suitable powders include, but are not limited to, calciumcarbonate, calcium phosphate, various sugars, starches, cellulosederivatives, gelatin, and polymers such as polyethylene glycols.

When hydrophobic antimicrobial lipids are used, a method for micronizinga hydrophobic agent may be used wherein the hydrophobic agent isdissolved in an effective amount of a first solvent that is free ofpolymer (such as the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,635). Thehydrophobic agent and the solvent form a mixture having a continuousphase. A second solvent and then an aqueous solution are introduced intothe mixture. The introduction of the aqueous solution causesprecipitation of the hydrophobic agent and produces a composition ofmicronized hydrophobic agent having an average particle size of 1 micronor less. The particle size for use in delivery to the nose or othertissue may be significantly larger to direct delivery to the propersite. For example, to deliver the antimicrobial powder to the nose,nasal cavities, and/or throat without passing into the lungs, largerparticles may be required.

Bioadhesive polymers optionally may be added to neat compositions aswell as the other physical forms. Numerous suitable bioadhesive polymersare discussed in International Publication No. WO 93/21906.Representative bioadhesive polymers of particular interest includebioerodible hydrogels described by H. S. Sawhney et al., inMacromolecules, 26:581-587 (1993), including polyhyaluronic acids,casein, gelatin, glutin, polyanhydrides, polyacrylic acid, alginate,chitosan, poly(methyl methacrylates), poly(ethyl methacrylates), polybutylmethacrylate), poly(isobutylmethacrylate), poly(hexlmethacrylate),poly(isodecl methacrylate), poly(lauryl methacrylate), poly(phenylmethacrylate), poly(methyl acrylate), poly(isopropyl acrylate),poly(isobutyl acrylate), and poly(octadecl acrylate). Preferred polymersare polyacrylic acid (e.g., CARBOMER polymers) andpoly(fumaric-co-sebacic)acid. Other bioadhesive and bioerodible polymersare described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,746,635. Particularly preferred areslightly crosslinked polyacrylic acids such as those sold under theCARBOPOL brand by BF Goodrich.

The antimicrobial compositions also may include suitable solid or gelphase carriers or excipients. Examples of such carriers or excipientsinclude, but are not limited to, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate,various sugars, starches, cellulose derivatives, gelatin, and polymerssuch as polyethylene glycols.

The neat compositions according to the present invention may beconveniently delivered in the form of an aerosol spray presentation frompressurized packs or a nebulizer, with the use of a suitable propellant,e.g., dichlorodifluoromethane, trichlorofluoromethane,dichlorotetrafluoroethane, carbon dioxide or other suitable gas. In thecase of a pressurized aerosol the dosage unit may be determined byproviding a valve to deliver a metered amount. Capsules and cartridgesof, e.g., gelatin for use in an inhaler or insufflator may be formulatedcontaining a powder mix of the compound and a suitable powder base suchas lactose or starch. Those of skill in the art can readily determinethe various parameters and conditions for producing aerosols withoutresort to undue experimentation. Inhaled medications are preferred insome embodiments because of the direct delivery to the lung. Severaltypes of metered dose inhalers are regularly used for administration byinhalation. These types of devices include metered dose inhalers (MDI),breath-actuated MDI, dry powder inhaler (DPI), spacer/holding chambersin combination with MDI, and nebulizers. Techniques for preparingaerosol delivery systems are well known to those of skill in the art.Generally, such systems should utilize components which will notsignificantly impair the biological properties of the agent (see, forexample, Sciarra and Cutie, “Aerosols,” in Remington's PharmaceuticalSciences, 18th edition, 1694-1712 (1990)).

The compounds may also be formulated in rectal or vaginal compositionssuch as suppositories or retention enemas, e.g., containing conventionalsuppository bases such as cocoa butter or other glycerides.

Viscosity

Certain preferred compositions of the present invention have a viscosityof at least 500 Centipoise (cps) for ease of application topically. Morepreferably, compositions of the present invention have a viscosity of atleast 1,000 cps, even more preferably at least 10,000 cps, even morepreferably at least 20,000 cps, even more preferably at least 50,000cps, even more preferably at least 75,000 cps, even more preferably atleast 100,000 cps, and even more preferably at least 250,000 cps (andeven as high as 500,000 cps, 1,000,000 cps, or more). Lower viscositycompositions can be used, however, in certain applications, such as forthe treatment of middle ear infection and chronic sinusitis. Forexample, afflictions of the middle ear (e.g., otitis media or infectionof the middle ear) may be treated with compositions of the presentinvention having a viscosity lower than 1000 cps more readily byadministration through the nose and into the Eustachian tubes. Theviscosity is measured by the Viscosity Test described herein. Preferredcompositions meet the above viscosity limitations even when warmed to32° C. Most preferred compositions meet the above viscosity limitationseven when warmed to 35° C., or as high as 37° C.

In some embodiments of the present invention, the compositions have aviscosity of at least 20 cps, preferably at least 100 cps, when measuredby the Viscosity Test described herein. Higher viscosities are preferredto reduce migration as well as to provide substantivity (resistance toremoval by fluids) to ensure long-term antimicrobial activity.

Delivery Methods and Devices

Antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can be provided to amedical professional in a single composite formulation or in multipleparts. For example, a composition can be provided in two parts (e.g., intwo separate containers or two separate compartments of the samecontainer), one part containing the antimicrobial lipid component andone part containing the enhancer. Other components of the compositioncan be combined with either one of the two parts. Alternatively, theother components can be included in a third part.

In other embodiments, a composition can be provided in two parts and theantimicrobial lipid component can be made in situ. For example, amonoglyceride could be formed in-situ from a di- or tri-glyceride in thepresence of a lipase such as a mammalian or bacterially derived lipase.This may occur on the tissue or prior to application to the tissue.

Topical treatment regimens according to the practice of this inventioninclude applying a safe and effective amount of the compositionsdescribed herein directly to the infected or at-risk skin, wound, ormucous membrane; particularly, the nasal nares and passages that areparticularly susceptible to microbial contamination.

Compositions of the present invention can be delivered using a varietyof techniques. Typically, the compositions are delivered to the skinand/or mucosal tissue in a manner that allows them to penetrate into theskin and/or mucosal tissue, as opposed to through the tissue into theblood stream. This concentrates the compositions locally at the site inneed of treatment. This delivery can be accomplished by spraying,dipping, wiping, dropping, pouring, toweling, inhaling, or the like,onto the area to be treated.

In the methods of the present invention, the compositions may beprovided as a formulation suitable for delivery to mammalian tissue(e.g., skin and/or mucosal surfaces). Suitable formulations can include,but are not limited to, creams, gels, foams, ointments, lotions, balms,waxes, salves, solutions, suspensions, dispersions, water in oil or oilin water emulsions, microemulsions, pastes, powders, oils, lozenges,boluses, and sprays, and the like.

The compositions may be sprayed from a pressurized container. Thepressure may be supplied by an external means such as squeezing thecontainer, through the use of a mechanical pump, or with the use of apropellant. Suitable propellants include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs),hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs),hydrofluoroethers (HFEs), perfluorinated alkanes, and (C1-C5)alkanes,such as propane and butane, as well as nitrous oxide and dimethyl ether.Preferred propellants are lower alkanes such as propane, butane,isobutene, as well as HCFCs.

If delivered as a foam, the composition may be dispensed from anaerating dispenser such as the F2 Finger Pump Foamer available from AirSpray International Pompano Beach, Fla. Alternatively, the foam may begenerated using a suitable propellant such as those described above.

In some embodiments, compositons of the present invention can beformulated into various consumer products, such as deodorants, shampoos,shower gels, detergents, household cleaning products, etc.

For very high viscosity formulations the composition may be delivered inessentially a solid dosage form by placing the composition in or on thetissue to be treated. For example, a small suppository type deliverycould be placed into the anterior nares for eradication ofStaphylococcus sp.

Various other modes of administration can be used as well known to oneof skill in the art depending on the desired location for contact of theantimicrobial compositions of the present invention. For example,afflictions of the middle ear (e.g., otitis media or infection of themiddle ear) may be treated with compositions of the present invention byadministration through the nose and into the Eustachian tubes or theycan be instilled directly into the middle ear through the tympanicmembrane. The formulations may traverse the tympanic membrane with theaid of a syringe or do so by diffusion. Penetration enhancers may beused to enhance diffusion across the tympanic membrane.

For application to skin or mucosal tissue, for example, the compositionsmay be applied directly to the tissue from a collapsible container suchas a flexible tube, blow/fill/seal container, pouch, capsule, etc. Inthis embodiment, the primary container itself is used to dispense thecomposition directly onto the tissue or it can be used to dispense thecomposition onto a separate applicator. For example, for delivery to thenose or topical tissue, the composition could be dispensed directly froma tube and spread by a number of means including squeezing the outsideof the nose together repeatedly, wiping with the tip of the tube or witha separate device such as a spatula, cotton, rayon, or other natural orsynthetic based fiber swab.

Other application devices may also be suitable including applicatorswith foam tips, brushes, and the like. Importantly, the applicator mustbe able to deliver the requisite amount of composition to the tissue.Therefore, in most instances applicator devices such as webs and swabsare coated on the applicator web at greater than 50% by weight of thedry web and preferably in excess of 100% by weight of the dry web. (On aswab this would include the weight only of the web and not theapplicator stick.)

The collapsible containers may be made in a number of single layer,laminate, or coextruded constructions. Materials of construction mayinclude polyolefins such as low, medium, or high density polyethyleneincluding low and linear low density polyethylene, polypropylene, aswell as copolymers of ethylene and/or propylene with other polar ornon-polar comonomers; polyamides such as nylons; polyesters such aspolyethylene terephalate, polybutyleneterephalate,polyethylenenaphthalate; polyurethanes; polyacrylates; and the like. Insome constructions it may be desirable to include a barrier material toprevent evaporation of one or more components of the formulation.Suitable barrier materials include polyesters (e.g., polyethyleneterephthalate, polyethylene naphthalate, polybutylene terephalate, andthe like), fluorinated layers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE,e.g., TEFLON), polyamides (e.g., nylon), chlorotriflouroethylene(ACLAR), polyvinylidene fluoride, as well as copolymers ofperflourinated monomers with partially fluorinated monomers such ascopolymers of tetraflouroethylene/hexafluoropropylene/vinylidenefluoride (THV Fluorothermoplastic from Dyneon Company),polyvinylchloride, polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC, e.g., SARAN HB),ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH), polyolefins (e.g., polyethylene, highdensity polyethylene, polypropylene, and combinations thereof). Orientedand biaxially oriented polymers may be particularly preferred.

Particularly preferred barrier constructions include metallic foilbarriers such as aluminum foil laminates, HDPE, PET, PETG, PEN laminatesof polyester and polyolefin (in particular PET/HDPE or HDPE/PET/HDPE),laminates of PET and EVOH, biaxially oriented nylon, PVDC,Nylon/EVOH/Nylon (OXYSHIELD OUB—R), chlorotrifluoroethylene andlaminates thereof, ceramic layer including silicon oxide (SiO_(x) wherex=0.5-2 and preferably 1-2) coated thermoplastics, and ceramic coatedPET (CERAMIS available from CCL Container/Tube Division, Oak Ridge,N.J.).

Compositions of the present invention may be applied to a mucosalsurface with the use of a delivery device such as cervical caps,diaphragms and solid matrices such as tampons, cotton sponges, cottonswabs, foam sponges, and suppositories.

Accordingly, compositions of the present invention can also be deliveredfrom cloth, sponges, paper products (e.g., paper towels, towelletes, andwipes), tampons, undercast padding, and dental floss, for example.

In some embodiments, an applicator may be used to place the deviceand/or antimicrobial composition in the proper location, for example, onthe mucosal surface of a vagina, nasal cavity, rectum, or the like.Examples of such applicators include, for example, cardboard or plastictube applicators commonly used for inserting tampons or suppositories.

The compositions of the present invention can be delivered from varioussubstrates for delivery to the tissue. For example, the compositions canbe delivered from a wipe or pad which when contacted to tissue willdeliver at least a portion of the composition to the tissue. Forapplication to nasal cavities the compositions may be provided by anon-woven swab such as a “Q-tip” brand cotton swab, into a foam tipapplicator, and the like. The substrate may be used to deliver thecomposition essentially instantaneously or may be left in contact withthe tissue. For example, a substrate in a tubular form could bedelivered to the anterior nares using a suitable applicator and left inthe anterior nares. The annular nature of the device is designed toallow delivery of the active while allowing the patient to freelybreathe through the nose.

Also, compositions of the present invention can be coated onto medicaldevices that contact mammalian tissue (e.g., skin, mucous membranes,wounds, etc.). Examples of such devices include catheters such asurinary tract catheters and vascular access catheters.

Antimicrobial compositions of the present invention can be formulatedfor additional controlled release (beyond that provided by thecompositions previously discussed) if desired. For example, theantimicrobial lipid component may be formulated into compatibleliposomes, microcapsules, microglobules, microbeads, and/or microspheressuch as those made from natural polymers including, but not limited to,polysaccharides, agar, starch and starch derivatives, cellulose andcellulose derivatives, and synthetic polymers such as polyolefins (e.g.,polyethylene and polypropylene), polystyrene, polyacrylates, and thelike, as well as inorganic materials such as clays and zeolites. Theantimicrobial lipid component may also be formulated into multipleemulsions such as oil-in-water-in-oil emulsions or water-in-oil-in-wateremulsions where the oil is an organic oil or a silicone base oil. Inaddition, water soluble or swellable polymers can be combined with theantimicrobial lipid in a soluble or swollen state, dried, and added tothe various compositions to further sustain release. If a prolongedrelease of the antimicrobial lipid is desired it also may be useful toincorporate a hydrophobic component in which the antimicrobial lipid issoluble.

Topical antimicrobial treatment regimens according to the practice ofthis invention include applying an effective amount of the compositionsdescribed herein directly to the infected or at-risk mammalian tissue(particularly, skin or mucous membrane); particularly, the nasal naresand passages that are particularly susceptible to microbialcontamination. Compositions of the present invention can be deliveredusing a variety of techniques. Typically, the compositions are deliveredto the mammalian tissue (particularly, the skin and/or mucosal tissue)in a manner that allows them to penetrate into the tissue, as opposed tothrough the tissue into the blood stream. This concentrates thecompositions locally at the site in need thereof. This can beaccomplished by spraying, dipping, wiping, dropping, pouring, toweling,or the like, onto the area to be treated.

If a composition of the present invention includes certain poloxamerblock copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide generally havinggreater than 60 mol-% polyethylene oxide (such as those available underthe trade names PLURONIC F127 and F108 from BASF Corp.), as well ascertain modified cellulose polymers, and is applied topically, forexample, thermally induced gelation can occur. Thus, various componentscan be selected for use in compositions of the present invention toproduce a desired application effect.

The dose and frequency of application will depend on many factorsincluding the condition to be treated, the concentration ofantimicrobial lipid and enhancer, the microbe to be killed, etc.Typically, the compositions will be delivered in dosages of at least 10milligrams per square centimeter (mg/cm²) of tissue, preferably at least20 mg/cm² of tissue, more preferably at least 30 mg/cm² of tissue, andmost preferably at least 50 mg/cm² of tissue, for most applications.Application can be made once, or several (e.g., 2-4) times daily for oneor more days. Typically, the composition is applied 1 or 2 times/day for1-7 days. For example, decolonization of the anterior nares may requirea dose of 0.25 gram (g) per nares applied 1-3 times per day for 1-5days. Treatment of impetigo may require 0.5 g/15 cm² (33 mg/cm² oftissue) applied 1-3 times/day for 3-10 days.

Additional Antimicrobial Components and Delivery Systems

The present invention also provides a delivery system for anantimicrobial component (e.g., antimicrobial lipids as well as otherantimicrobial agents, particularly antiseptics). Such delivery systemsinclude a hydrophobic component and a hydrophilic component, wherein thecomposition has a viscosity of at least 500 cps, and further wherein thehydrophobic component forms the greatest portion of the composition byweight. Alternatively, such delivery systems include a hydrophobiccomponent, a hydrophilic component, and a surfactant, wherein thehydrophobic component forms the greatest portion of the composition byweight.

Methods of delivery of antimicrobial components are also provided usingsuch delivery systems (i.e., compositions). Such methods involveapplying to a surface a composition that includes a hydrophobiccomponent and a hydrophilic component, herein the composition has aviscosity of at least 500 cps, and further wherein the hydrophobiccomponent forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.Alternatively, the method can involve applying to a surface acomposition that includes a hydrophobic component, a hydrophiliccomponent, and a surfactant, wherein the hydrophobic component forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.

In such delivery systems, the antimicrobial component can include anantimicrobial lipid component, such as that described herein.Alternatively (or additionally), the antimicrobial component can includeother antimicrobial agents, particularly other antiseptics. Examples ofsuitable antiseptics include, for example, peroxides, (C6-C14)alkylcarboxylic acids and alkyl ester carboxylic acids, antimicrobial naturaloils, as described in Applicants' Assignee's Copending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No. 59889US002), filed onSep. 7, 2004; halogenated phenols, diphenyl ethers, bisphenols(including but not limited to p-chloro m-xylenol (PCMX) and triclosan),and halogenated carbanilides described in Applicants' Assignee'sCopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.59887US002, filed on Sep. 7, 2004; digluconate, diacetate,dimethosulfate, and dilactate salts; polymeric quaternary ammoniumcompounds such as polyhexamethylenebiguanide; silver and various silvercomplexes; small molecule quaternary ammonium compounds such asbenzalkoium chloride and alkyl substituted derivatives; di-long chainalkyl (C8-C18)quaternary ammonium compounds; cetylpyridinium halides andtheir derivatives; benzethonium chloride and its alkyl substitutedderivatives; and octenidine described in Applicants' Assignee'sCopending U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ (Attorney Docket No.57888US002), filed on Sep. 7, 2004; and compatible combinations thereof.

Although the detailed description of illustrative embodiments providedherein (particularly with respect to enhancers, surfactants, otheradditives, and for making such compositions) specifically refer to anantimicrobial lipid component, such description also applies to otherantimicrobial agents, particularly antiseptics.

Test Protocols Antimicrobial Kill Rate Test

Antimicrobial compositions were challenged with test cultures ofMethicillin Resistant Staphyloccus aureus (MRSA) # MS 16266 andStaphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), ATCC #25923 (commercially availablefrom American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md.), Escherichia coli(E. coli), ATCC #11229, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pseudomonas ae.),ATCC #15442.

Bacteria Culture Preparation:

Bacteria were grown in Tryptic Soy Broth (TSB) (commercially availablefrom Difco, Detroit, Mich.) at 35° C. for 18-24 hours (hrs). A 0.3milliliter (ml) culture suspension was spread on the surface of aTryptic Soy Agar plate that was incubated at 35° C. for 18-24 hrs.Bacterial cells were harvested from the agar plate with a glass L-rod byadding 3 ml of TSB and were transferred into a snap cap 5 mlpolypropylene culture tube. The resulting cell suspension was called theworking culture.

Ointment Test Procedure:

A 50 ml centrifuge tube was filled with 10 ml of each ointmentantimicrobial composition. The tube was placed in a temperaturecontrolled water bath equipped with stirring capability. The temperatureof the composition was adjusted to 40° C.+/−2° C. where most of thecompositions became softened and could be easily mixed. Othercompositions may require higher or lower temperatures. Importantly, thetemperature should not be increased above about 45° C. at which pointthe bacteria will perish from temperature effects. It should beconfirmed that the temperature did not kill the bacteria in the absenceof the antimicrobial composition.

Liquid Test Procedure:

A 25 ml Erlenmeyer flask containing a magnetic stirring bar was filledwith 20.0 ml of a liquid antimicrobial composition. The flask was placedin a temperature controlled water bath equipped with stirringcapability. The magnetic stirrer was turned on and temperature of thecomposition was adjusted to 23° C.+/−2° C.

Exposure of Bacteria to the Compositions:

At the start of each exposure time, 0.1 ml of Methicillin ResistantStaphyloccus aureus, Staphylococus aureus, Escherichia coli, orPseudomonas aeruginosa working culture was added to the antimicrobialcomposition. The exposure times were 2 minutes, 5 minutes and 10minutes. At the end of each exposure time, 1 ml of suspension wastransferred to a test tube containing 9 ml Letheen broth (VWRScientific, Batavia, Ill.) at 23° C. or 40° C. (10⁻¹ cell suspension).After vortexing, the neutralized 10⁻¹ cell suspension was furtherdiluted to 10⁻² by transferring 1 ml into 9 ml Letheen broth tubes. Fromeach of the two dilutions, 0.1 ml volume was plated onto a TSA plate andspread with the L-rod producing 10⁻² and 10⁻³ dilutions. The plates wereincubated at 35° C.±2° C. for 48 hours (hrs) and colony-forming units(CFU) were counted and recorded. The procedure was repeated using threeto five replicate samples of each composition. The diluted bacterialsuspensions were plated in duplicate.

Data Analysis:

Microbial kill rate was reported as a log₁₀ reduction which wasdetermined by calculating the difference between the log₁₀ of theinitial inoculum count and the log₁₀ of the inoculum count afterexposure to compositions or components of the composition for 2-minute(T₂), 5-minute (T₅), and 10-minute (T₁₀) intervals.

The two duplicate plates at the selected dilution level were averagedand the initial inoculum count was calculated using the followingformula:

Initial Inoculum Count=T₀=Ave. CFU of 3 replicates×1/dilutionlevel×0.005

Where the sample inoculums were diluted (0.1 ml in 10 ml of thecompositions, the initial inoculum were reduced by 0.1 ml/10 ml, whichequals 0.010).

For the test plates of each organism at each time period, the CFU's onall the 10⁻² and 10⁻³ plates were counted. The dilution level that hadcounts between 25 and 250 was determined. The two duplicate plates atthe selected dilution level were averaged and the test plate count atthe given time was calculated using the following formula:

T₂,T₅, and T₁₀=CFU of 3 replicates×1/dilution level

where the plate count of 3 replicates are at 2 minute, 5 minute, and 10minute intervals, respectively.

For the compositions the log reduction was determined by taking thelogarithm to the base 10 of T₀, T₂, T₅, and T₁₀ and using the followingformulas:

Log reduction at 2 minutes=log₁₀ T₀−log₁₀ T₂

Log reduction at 5 minutes=log₁₀ T₀−log₁₀ T₅

Log reduction at 10 minutes=log₁₀ T₀−log₁₀ T₁₀

The average of the replicates was calculated by averaging the logreductions at each time period.

Aging Study Using Gas Chromatography

Antimicrobial Compositions were prepared and while in a well-mixed,liquid state, were poured into individual vials to solidify. The zerotime (T₀) vials were refrigerated at 4° C. and the other vials wereplaced in a LAB LINE Orbital Environmental Incubator and incubated ateither 23° C. or 40° C. and 65° C. at 200 RPM. Compositions incubated at65° C. were in the liquid state. These compositions were incubated withand without shaking to see if agitation contributed to loss of GML. Onevial of each composition was removed after 7 days and after 4 weeks.After they were removed, they were shaken until they solidified andrefrigerated at 4° C. until assayed.

The internal standard, which was used for all extractions, contained 0.4mg/ml monodecyl glycerol (GMC₁₀) from Sigma-Aldrich in chloroform andwas prepared and stored in a clean glass bottle which was sealed with aTEFLON lined screw cap. At the time of assay, methanol was mixed withthe stock standard in the ratio of 2 parts chloroform to 1 part methanolgiving a stock internal standard which was 0.267 mg/ml in GMC₁₀.

The stock standard (1.8 mg/ml) was prepared by adding 18 mg of GML fromSigma-Aldrich to a tared 10 ml volumetric flask, recording the exactweight, filling it to the mark with the stock internal standard, andmixing it well. The solution was transferred to a clean glass vial,which was sealed with a TEFLON lined screw cap.

The working standard was diluted using volumetric pipettes, additionalstock internal standard, and clean glass vials according to thefollowing scheme.

Volume of Standard Volume of Internal GML level Standard StandardStandard (mg/ml) 1 Stock 5 5 0.9 2 Standard 1 2 4 0.3 3 Stock 1 8 0.2 4Standard 3 3 3 0.1

The dilutions were stored in clean glass vials and sealed with TEFLONlined screw caps.

All test samples and matrices were allowed to reach room temperaturebefore assay. They were mixed well by stirring with clean glass rods.Using graduated pipettes and clean glass vials which held 7-8 ml, theextractions were performed as follows: Triplicate 50 mg samples of eachaged composition were added to tared vials and the exact weightsrecorded. (For samples that were emulsions with a larger droplet size,larger samples were needed to ensure a uniform sample. In those cases, alarger sample size was obtained and processed proportionately.) To these5.0 ml of internal standard were added. The samples were mixed untilthey dissolved or were evenly dispersed and then 1.7 ml of 0.4 weightpercent potassium chloride solution was added to each. The vials werecapped, vortexed for 1 minute, and then centrifuged at top speed on aclinical centrifuge (IEC) until 2 clear phases resulted (3-5 minutes).The lower phase (organic) was separated from the upper phase (aqueous)by suction using a Pasteur Pipette, which had been inserted through theupper phase. It was transferred to a second vial containing a smallamount (approximately 200 milligrams (mg)) of sodium sulfate in order todry the sample. A portion was then transferred to an auto sampler for GCanalysis.

Single extracts of each of the four standards were made in the samemanner as the samples except that 50 mg of formulation matrix(formulated without GML, with the difference made up with anothercomponent (petrolatum or glycerin for Comparative Example D)) was addedto each extraction vial followed by 5.0 ml of each of the workingstandards. An internal standard blank was also extracted as well as asample matrix without any internal standard.

The order of analysis was: Internal Standard blank, standards (lowest tohighest), solvent blank, samples (in random order), and calibrationchecks every 16 injections and at the end (level 2 standard). Eachsample and standard was injected once.

The Gas Chromatography Conditions were:

Instrument HP 5890 or 6890 Column 15 meter ZB-5, 0.25 micon (μ) film0.25 mm ID Carrier He, 22 pounds per square inch (psi) constant pressure(6890-constant flow 1 millilters per minute (ml/min)) Injection 2microliter (μl) split 1:60, injector temp 350° C. Liner Restek SILTEKdeactivated liner with SILTEK deactivated glass wool (Cat. No.22406-213.5) Program 110° C. initial, 4° C./min to 210° C., 25° C./ minto 350° C., hold 5 minutes (min) Detector FID at 350° C.

The triplicate samples of each time point were prepared and analyzedonce. The area ratio of GML/internal standard (GMC₁₀) was converted intomg GML/sample using the standard curves, which was then divided by thesample weight (100 mg) and multiplied by 100 to obtain a weight percentof GML in the sample. The weight percent from each of the triplicatesamples were then averaged and a standard deviation was obtained.

Good linearity was obtained with correlation coefficient, R>0.999 overthe range of analysis. Response factors for the standard calibrationchecks were less than or equal to 2.6 percent of that standard in theinitial curve.

Emergence of Resistance Test

Overnight cultures of each of 30 MRSA isolates and 30 MethicillinSusceptible Stapyloccus aureus (MSSA) isolates were grown inMueller-Hinton broth (MHB) at 35° C. in room air. Bacteria in the brothwere concentrated by centrifugation for 15 minutes at 2,200 revolustionsper minute (rpm). The spent broth was decanted and replaced with freshMHB containing 0.5 μL per mL of each of three antimicrobial compositions(Examples 31(IPA), 32(IPA), and 33(IPA)) or 0.125 μg/mL of mupirocinlithium salt (Sigma Aldrich, Milwaukee, Wis.). The cultures werereturned to the incubator for 18 hours. Following incubation, eachculture was again centrifuged and the bacterial pellet was divided intotwo aliquots. One aliquot was resuspended in MHB containing freshantimicrobial compositions at twice the previous concentrations andreturned to the incubator for continued exposure.

The second aliquot was screened for MRSA and MSSA by incubation with 2mL of MHB containing 4 μg/mL of mupirocin or 1,200 μg/mL of Examples31(IPA) or 32(IPA) or 33 (IPA). The resistance screens were incubatedovernight at 35° C. in room air. After incubation, each screen wassubcultured to fresh MHB and incubated for 4 to 6 hours. Minimuminhibitory concentration (MIC) testing was performed on logarithmicallygrowing bacteria recovered from the screen. This procedure was repeatedfor 8 days. After 8 days of serial exposure, each bacterial pellet wasresuspended in bland MHB and incubated overnight. The MIC of eachantimicrobial composition or mupirocin was determined as the MIC₉₀(range) before and daily during serial passage.

Viscosity Test

In the following Examples (except where indicated) viscosity wasmeasured at 23° C. at ambient pressure using a Brookfield LVDV-I⁺viscometer equipped with a model D Brookfield heliopath and T spindlesB-F. The spindle and speed was chosen for each particular sample suchthat the viscometer was operating in the middle of its range. Allsamples were allowed to equilibrate at 23° C. for 24 hours prior tomeasurement. Preferably the viscosity is taken at the lowest speedpossible while staying within 20-80% of the viscometer range and morepreferably between 30-70% of the range. In all cases the sample size andcontainer geometry was chosen to ensure that there were no wall effects.By “wall effects” it is meant the viscosity value is not affected by thecontainer and is essentially equivalent to the viscosity taken in aninfinitely large container. For this reason lower viscosity samplesrequired a larger sample size to accommodate the larger spindles. Thefollowing table outlines preferred spindles for various sampleviscosities.

Sample Viscosity T Spindle to Use 1,000-100,000 B 1,000-200,000 C5,000-500,000 D  10,000-1,250,000 E 500,000-3,000,000  F

The viscosity of each sample was taken as the highest relatively stablereading achieved on the first path the spindle traversed using theheliopath adapter.

EXAMPLES

Objects and advantages of this invention are further illustrated by thefollowing examples, but the particular materials and amounts thereofrecited in these examples, as well as other conditions and details,should not be construed to unduly limit this invention.

GLOSSARY of COMPONENTS Acronym Trade Name Description Source/Address GMLLAURICIDIN Glycerol monolaurate MedChem Laboratories, Inc./Galena, ILPURAC HIPURE Lactic Acid (88%) Purac America/ 88 Lincolnshire, ILMandelic Acid Sigma-Aldrich/St. Louis, MO Benzoic acid MallinckrodtBaker Inc./ Paris, KY Salicylic acid Mallinckrodt Baker Inc. C₁₀H₂₃glycerin ether (Preparation described in Example 18) Propylene glycolUniquema/Wilmington, monocaprate DE CRODAPHOS PPG-5 ceteth-10 CrodaInc./Parsipanny, NJ SG phosphate DOSS, COMPLEMIX Dioctylsulfosuccinate,Cytec Industries/West 100% sodium salt (Docusate, Paterson, NJ sodium)DOSS, AEROSOL GPG Dioctylsulfosuccinate, Cytec Industries 70% sodiumsalt, 70% in ethanol/water POLYSTEP B12 Sodium laureth-4 sulfate StepanCompany/ Northfield, IL MACKAM 50- Lauramidopropylhydroxy McIntyre GroupLtd./ SB sultaine University Park, IL HOSTAPUR Sodium C14-C17 SecClariant Corp./Charlotte, SAS 93G alkyl sulfonate, 93% NC solidsHOSTAPUR Sodium C14-C17 Sec Clariant Corp SAS 60 alkyl sulfonate, 60%solids LMDO AMMONYX Lauramidopropyldimethylamine Stepan Company LMDOoxide HYDROLITE 5 1,2 pentane diol Dragoco Inc./Totowa, NJ PEG-400CARBOWAX Polyethylene glycol, Union Carbide 400 MW = 400 DMI ARLASOLVEdimethylisosorbide Uniqema DMI NIAX LG650 Glycerin initiated LyondellChemical polypropylene glycol, Worldwide Inc./Houston, equivalent wt =89 TX DOWANOL Tripropyleneglycol Sigma Aldrich TPnB Glycerin USPMallinkrodt Baker Inc. Pet Snow White PET White Petrolatum Penreco USPWhite beeswax Acros PRISORINE Isopropyl isostearate Unichem 2021 FINSOLVTN C₁₂-C₁₅ benzoate ester Finetex IPM Isopropyl myristate CognisCorp./Houston, TX CRODAMOL Glycerol Croda Inc. GTCC tricaprylate/caprateFILIPPOBENO Olive oil, 100% Olive Oil Imported by Salov North Olive OilAmerica Corp./ Hackensack, NJ CETIOL OE Dioctylether Cognis Corp.Mineral oil, USP Paddock Laboratories Inc./ Minneapolis, MN BHAButylated hydroxyanisole Eastman Chemical/ Kingsport, TN EDTA Sodiumsalt of ethylene W. R. Grace/Nashua, NH (Na)₂ diamine tetraacetic acidMethyl paraben Nipa/Wilmington, DE Propyl paraben Nipa/Wilmington, DEGlycolic acid Sigma-Aldrich PLURONIC P-65 Poloxamer/block BASFCorp./Parsippany, copolymer of propylene NJ oxide and ethylene oxideARISTOFLEX Ammonium Clariant Corp. HMB acryloyldimethltaurate/beheneth25 methacrylate crosspolymer SALCARE SC92 Copolymer of acrylamide CibaSpecialty Chemicals and Corp./High Point, NCtrimethylaminoethylmethacrylate chloride salt NATROSOL Cetylhydroxyethyl Hercules, Aqualon PLUS TYPE cellulose Division/Wilmington,DE

Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example A

Antimicrobial compositions were prepared using the components shown inTable 1a. White petrolatum was heated in a beaker to at leastapproximately 82° C. In another beaker, glycerin and DOSS were heateduntil the DOSS was dissolved and this solution was allowed to cool toapproximately 82° C. Next, the contents of the first beaker were mixedwith the contents of the second beaker with a mixing propeller. Mixingwas continued until the mixture cooled to 71° C. at which point the GMLwas added and mixing continued as the mixture continued to cool. Whenthe mixture had cooled to about 54° C., the lactic acid was added andmixing continued until the composition was about to congeal. Just beforethe composition congealed at approximately 43° C., the composition wasremoved from the mixer and poured into ointment jars.

TABLE 1a Components (weight percent) Lactic Acid DOSS White Example No.GML (88%) (100%) Glycerin Petrolatum 1 3.02 1.11 0.97 9.82 85.08 2 3.011.13 0.00 10.00 85.86 Comparative A 0.00 0.00 0.99 10.07 88.94

The compositions of Examples 1-2 and Comparative Example A wereevaluated using the Antimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results areshown in Table 1b.

TABLE 1b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 1 3.02 3.84 6.47 3.59 5.25 5.29 2 <3.02 3.023.14 2.88 3.54 3.16 Comparative A 2.15 2.50 2.73 2.42 2.42 2.82

The results indicate that the full formulation of Example 1 had goodkill against both MRSA (Gram positive) and E. coli (Gram negative)organisms. The log reduction was in excess of 3.5 logs after 5 minutesand 5 logs after 10 minutes. Elimination of the surfactant from theformulation (Example 2) resulted in a significant reduction inantimicrobial efficacy. Elimination of the antimicrobial lipid andenhancer resulted in poor kill rate—less than 3 log reduction after 10min (Comparative Example A).

Examples 3-7

Antimicrobial compositions were prepared as described in Examples 1-2using the components shown in Table 2a. Mandelic acid was ground into afine powder using a mortar and pestle and added to the glycerin and DOSSand heated to about 88° C. for Examples 3 and 4 or added directly to thehot, molten petrolatum at about 82° C. for Examples 5 and 6.

TABLE 2a Components (weight percent) Example Mandelic DOSS White No. GMLAcid (100%) Glycerin Petrolatum 3 3.00 1.00 1.00 10.00 85.00 4 3.03 0.920.00 10.11 85.94 5 3.00 1.00 1.00 0.00 95.00 6 3.00 1.00 0.00 0.00 96.007 2.97 0.90 0.00 0.96 95.17

The compositions of Examples 3-7 were evaluated using the AntimicrobialKill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 2b and 2c.

TABLE 2b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 3 3.6 5.7 5.9 4.0 5.6 6.1 4 2.8 3.9 4.3 5.7 5.66.0 5 5.0 5.8 5.4 5.4 5.8 6.3 6 2.4 2.6 3.6 3.2 3.3 3.7 7 2.3 3.1 4.14.0 3.9 4.7

TABLE 2c Example Pseudomonas ae. (log reduction) No. After 2 minutesAfter 5 minutes After 10 minutes 3 4.4 6.4 6.5 4 3.3 4.2 5.1 5 4.0 4.65.7 6 2.9 2.9 3.2 7 2.9 3.6 3.9

Example 3 contained a hydrophilic component (glycerin) and surfactant(DOSS) in addition to the antimicrobial lipid (GML) and enhancer(mandelic acid). This sample had the best antimicrobial activityoverall, achieving greater than 5.9 log reduction against all threeorganisms at 10 minutes. Example 4 contained no surfactant (no DOSS),which led to a decrease in activity over Example 3. Example 5 whichcontained no hydrophilic component had decreased activity over Example 3but the effect was not as great as elimination of the surfactant.Example 6 containing no hydrophilic component or surfactant showedrelatively poor antimicrobial activity. Addition of only 1% hydrophiliccomponent (Example 7) showed an improvement in antimicrobial activity.

Example 8

An antimicrobial composition was prepared using the components listed inTable 3a. GML, isopropyl isosterate, beeswax and FINSOLV TN werecombined in a beaker, heated and stirred with a propeller mixer until aclear solution was obtained. Stirring was continued while cooling thesolution to about 48° C. when the lactic acid was added. Stirring andcooling continued until the temperature was 43° C. when the compositionwas removed from the mixer and poured into the ointment jar.

TABLE 3a Components (weight percent) Lactic Example acid White IsopropylFINSOLV No. GML (88%) Beeswax isosterate TN 8 10.00 1.00 20.00 29.0040.00

The composition of Example 8 was evaluated using the Antimicrobial KillRate Test and the results are shown in Table 3b and 3c.

TABLE 3b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 8 >6.3 >6.3 >6.3 7.3 7.3 7.3

TABLE 3c Pseudomonas ae. (log reduction) Example No. After 2 minutesAfter 5 minutes After 10 minutes 8 8.0 8.0 8.0

The results indicated that the antimicrobial lipid plus enhancer in anon-petrolatum-based ointment had an exceptional kill rate of MRSA, E.coli, and Pseudomonas ae.

Examples 9-16

Antimicrobial Compositions were prepared as described in Examples 1-2using the components shown in Table 4a. The surfactants were added likeDOSS in Example 1.

TABLE 4a Ex- Components (weight percent) ample Lactic SurfactantComponent No. GML acid Glycerin Type Amt. Type Amt. 9 3.00 1.00 10.00CRODAFOS 2.00 Pet 84.00 SG 10 3.00 1.00 10.00 DOSS 2.00 Pet 84.00 (100%)11 3.00 1.00 10.00 POLYSTEP 2.00 Pet 84.00 B12 12 3.00 1.00 10.00 MACKAM2.00 Pet 84.00 50-SB 13 3.00 1.00 10.00 HOSTAPUR 2.00 Pet 84.00 SAS 93G14 3.00 1.00 10.00 LMDO 2.00 Pet 84.00 15 3.00 1.00 10.00 DOSS 2.00 PEG84.00 (100%) 16 3.00 1.00 10.00 HOSTAPUR 2.00 Pet 84.00 SAS 60

The compositions of Examples 9-16 were evaluated using the AntimicrobialKill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 4b.

TABLE 4b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 9 6.41 6.17 6.41 5.29 5.56 2.65 10 3.33 3.386.17 5.85 5.54 6.14 11 5.74 6.41 5.88 3.49 4.34 6.11 12 4.18 5.05 5.902.63 2.80 4.47 13 5.73 6.11 6.11 6.03 6.23 6.23 14 3.45 5.16 5.78 2.693.40 4.05 15 6.11 6.11 6.11 6.23 6.23 6.23 16 5.73 5.02 6.22 6.07 6.176.17

The results indicated that Examples 9, 13, 15, and 16 had exceptionalkill rates (>5 logs) after only 2 minutes against both MRSA and E. coli.The surfactants in these examples were anionic (sulfate, sulfonate, andphosphate). Example 11 also had very a good kill rate; however, theethoxylation on this surfactant may have contributed to the lowerefficacy shown against E. coli at the 2-minute and 5-minute timeintervals. Example 10 contained DOSS, which had an exceptional kill rate(>6 logs) against both MRSA and E. coli after 10 minutes of exposure.Examples 12 and 14 contained zwitterionic and amine oxide surfactants,respectively, and the kill rate, while still good, was not as good asthat of the anionic surfactants.

Example 17

The preparation of the C₁₀H₂₃ Glycerin Ether was a two step process.

First isopropylidene glycerol was prepared by adding 100 grams (g)glycerol, 400 ml acetone, 0.65 g p-toluenesulfonic acid, and 50 g of 3 Amolecular sieves to a 1-liter NALGENE bottle with a cap. Rolling thebottle on a roller for 24 hours mixed the contents of the bottle. Next0.95 g potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃) was added to the contents. Themixture was filtered, passed through an activated alumina column,concentrated on a rotary evaporator, and distilled using a wateraspirator to pull a vacuum (boiling point (bp) approximately 100° C.).The final product was then used to prepare glycerol ether.

Second a 1-liter round-bottomed flask was purged with nitrogen and 500ml xylene, 42 g isopropylidene glycerol, and 53.5 g potassium hydroxide(KOH) were added to the flask. The reaction flask was fitted with anoverhead stirrer and a Dean-Stark trap. The contents were heated atreflux for approximately 15 hrs with azeotropic removal of H₂O. Whilecontinuing to heat at reflux, 61.4 g decyl bromide in 100 ml xylene wasadded dropwise to the reaction. After the addition was completed, thereaction was heated an additional 24 hrs at reflux. The contents werecooled, transferred to a separatory funnel, washed with deionized water5 times using 100 ml of water each time, dried over magnesium sulfate(MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated on a rotarevaporator. The finalproduct was distilled at reduced pressure (boiling point (bp) wasapproximately 136° C. at 0.5 millimeter (mm) Hg).

An antimicrobial composition was prepared using the components in Table5a. The white petrolatum was heated to approximately 93° C. and the DOSSand the glyceryl ether were added to it while stirring using a mixingpropeller. The mixture was stirred while being held at 93° C. until aclear solution was formed. The mixture was allowed to start cooling withcontinuous stirring. When the mixture reached approximately 65° C. theglycerin was added and the cooling and stirring continued. When themixture reached approximately 49° C. the lactic acid was added andcooling and stirring continued until the composition was about tocongeal (approximately 38° C.) and then it was poured into an ointmentjar.

TABLE 5a Components (weight percent) 88% C₁₀H₂₃ Example Lactic glycerin100% White No. Acid ether DOSS Glycerin petrolatum 17 1.13 1.46 1.0210.07 88.94

The compositions of Example 17 were evaluated using the AntimicrobialKill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 5b.

TABLE 5b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 17 3.16 3.70 4.51 4.68 5.88 5.47

The results indicated that over 3 log reductions after 2 minutes ofexposure and over 4.5 log reductions after 10 minutes of exposureoccurred for both MRSA and E. coli using an antimicrobial glycerin etherin combination with a enhancer (alpha-hydroxy acid).

Example 18

An antimicrobial composition was prepared using the components in Table6a as described for Examples 1 and 2 but propylene glycol monocapratewas substituted for GML.

TABLE 6a Components (weight percent) Propylene Example 88% Lactic glycol100% White No. Acid monocaprate DOSS Glycerin petrolatum 18 1.12 3.011.00 9.92 84.95

The compositions of Example 18 were evaluated using the AntimicrobialKill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 6b.

TABLE 6b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 18 6.54 6.54 6.54 5.64 5.88 5.88

The results indicated that the antimicrobial composition containingpropylene glycol monocaprate and an enhancer (lactic acid, analpha-hydroxy acid) achieved an exceptional kill rate against MRSA (over6 log reduction in 2 minutes) as well as an exceptional kill rateagainst E. coli (over 5.5 log reduction in 2 minutes).

Examples 19-24

Antimicrobial compositions were prepared as described for Examples 1-2using the components in Table 7a. However, hydrophilic components weresubstituted for the glycerin.

TABLE 7a Components (weight percent) Ex- 88% ample Lactic 100%Hydrophilic component White No. GML Acid DOSS Type Amt. petrolatum 193.02 1.10 0.97 HYDROLITE 5 9.64 85.28 20 3.00 1.13 1.00 PEG 400 9.9784.90 21 3.01 1.15 1.00 DMI 9.95 84.90 22 3.01 1.12 0.98 NIAX LG650 9.8585.04 23 3.00 1.13 1.00 DOWANOL 10.05 84.82 TPnB 24 1.45 1.13 0.98Glycerin 9.89 86.55

The compositions of Examples 19 and 21-24 were evaluated using theAntimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 7b.

TABLE 7b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 19 >4.78 >4.78 >4.78 4.65 4.65 >4.65 213.10 >4.78 >4.78 2.07 3.67 4.42 22 3.1 4.18 4.69 2.07 3.67 4.42 234.78 >4.78 >4.78 >4.65 >4.65 >4.65 24 4.04 5.57 5.49 3.87 3.67 5.79

The results indicated that good kill rates were achieved against bothMRSA and E. coli (>4 log reduction at 10 minutes) with a wide variety ofhydrophilic components. The best results appear to be in antimicrobialcompositions containing small molecule glycols (Examples 19 and 24) aswell as with the tripropyleneglycolmonobutyl ether (Example 23).

Examples 25-30

Antimicrobial compositions were prepared using the method described forExamples 1-2 and the components in Table 8a. The hydrophobic componentswere heated in a beaker to at least approximately 82° C. instead of thewhite petrolatum and the hydrophilic components were substituted for theglycerin. In Example 30 salicylic acid was substituted for lactic acid.

TABLE 8a Components (weight percent) 88% Hydrophilic Hydrophobic ExampleLactic 100% Component Component No. GML Acid DOSS Type Amt. Type Amt. 253.01 1.11 0.99 Glycerin 9.89 CRODAMOL 84.99 GTCC 26 3.01 1.11 0.97Glycerin 9.69 Olive Oil 85.22 27 3.01 1.12 0.98 Glycerin 9.80 CETIOL OE85.10 28 3.01 1.11 0.98 DMI 9.83 CRODAMOL 85.08 GTCC 29 3.01 1.12 0.99Glycerin 9.83 Mineral oil 85.06 30 3.00 0.25¹ 1.00 DMI 9.97 CRODAMOL85.77 GTCC ¹The enhancer used was salicylic acid.

The composition of Example 28 was evaluated using the Antimicrobial KillRate Test and the results are shown in Table 8b.

TABLE 8b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 28 6.45 >6.45 >6.45 4.62 5.88 >5.88

Example 28 had an exceptional kill rate against MRSA as well as E. coli.The use of the DMI improved the composition's stability over that ofExample 25, which tended to split into distinct phases upon standing.

Examples 31-33 and 31(IPA)-33(IPA)

Antimicrobial Compositions were prepared using the components shown inTable 9a. White petrolatum and DOSS were placed in a beaker and heateduntil a solution was formed at about 104° C. While mixing with anoverhead air mixer (Model No. 1AM-NCC-12, Gast, Benton Harbor, Mich.)glycerin and the acid (enhancer) were added. Next, the composition wascooled to 66° C. and the GML was added while holding the temperaturebetween 60° C. and 66° C. When all of the components were in solution,it was cooled to about 46° C., removed from the mixer, and poured intoan ointment jar.

TABLE 9a Components (weight percent) Example Enhancer DOSS White No. GMLType Amt. (100%) Glycerin Petrolatum 31 3.00 88% Lactic 1.00 1.00 10.0085.00 Acid 32 3.00 Mandelic 1.00 1.00 10.00 84.99 Acid 33 3.00 Benzoic0.50 1.00 10.00 85.49 Acid

The compositions of Examples 31 and 33 were evaluated using theAntimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 9b.

TABLE 9b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 31 2.70 3.16 5.53 1.11 1.41 3.41 33 4.594.54 >4.62 5.25 >5.32 >5.32

Compositions 31-33 were instilled twice a day for two days in the noseof one of the inventors without any indication of irritation. No odor ortaste was detected.

Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) was substituted for petrolatum and glycerin inthe compositions from Examples 31 and 32. The amounts of each componentare shown in Table 9c.

TABLE 9c Components (weight percent) Example Enhancer DOSS Isopropyl No.GML Type Amt. (100%) alcohol 31 (IPA) 3.00 88% Lactic Acid 1.00 1.0095.00 32 (IPA) 3.00 Mandelic Acid 1.00 1.00 95.00 33 (IPA) 3.00 BenzoicAcid 0.50 1.00 96.50

The compositions were prepared by mixing the ingredients until thecomponents were fully dissolved.

The IPA modified antimicrobial compositions were tested using theEmergence of Resistance Test. The results are shown at baseline (To),after eight days (T₈) and the ratio of T₀ to T₈ in Table 9d.

TABLE 9d MRSA MSSA Example Initial Final Initial Final Number (T₀) (T₈)T₀/T₈ (T₀) (T₈) T₀/T₈ Mupirocin 0.25 64 256 0.25 128 512 31(IPA) 60 2404 60 60 1 32(IPA) 120 60 0.5 60 60 1 33(IPA) 60 60 1 60 60 1

The results indicate that the MIC to mupirocin increased dramaticallywhile the MIC of the compositions of the present invention increasedless than 4 fold and some did not increase at all. This shows that therewas significant resistance was generated to mupirocin but not to thecompositions of the present invention.

In-vivo efficacy was demonstrated against a clinical isolate of MRSAusing a murine model based on K, Cante-Kiser J, Lee J. Development andcharacterization of Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization model inmice. 1999 Infect and Immunity 67(10) 5001-5006. Prior to evaluation ofthe active compositions the lowest number of S. aureus required toestablish nasal colonization in 70% of mice detectable 5 days afterchallenge and persisting at least 10 days after challenge wasdetermined. This was using an innoculum of 10⁸ cfu/nare. Mice (239described as 25 g to 30 g Hsd:ICR) were challenged intranasally with 10⁸MRSA #561(a clinical isolate of methicillin resistant staphylococcusobtained from Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.) and arbitrarily assigned toone of five treatment regimens: mupirocin ointment, bland ointment,antimicrobial compositions of Examples 31, 32, and 33. The blandointment consisted of petrolatum (89%), glycerin (10%) and DOSS (1%).Mice received either no treatment (none) or treatment with 10 μL pernare of warmed (42° C.) ointment (one of five) to each nare, three timesdaily for two days Three days after treatment, both anterior nares wereswabbed and cultured for MRSA. Colonies appearing to be S. aureus wereconfirmed with a latex agglutination test. S. aureus was detected in 160colonization cultures from 239 mice challenged. These mice continued tobe studied. The results of the treatments are listed in Table 9e as thenumber of animals with no MRSA detected after treatment (successful),the percent of the animals treated successfully, the number of animalswith MRSA (failure), and the percent of animals whose treatment failed.

TABLE 9e Number of Percent Number of Percent Whose Example Mice withoutTreated Mice with Treatment Number MRSA Successfully MRSA Failed None 110 9 90 Bland 12 32 26 68 Ointment Mupirocin 19 50 19 50 31 18 46 21 5432 24 71 10 29 33 33 89 7 17

The results of MRSA nasal decolonization indicated that theantimicrobial composition of Example 33 was more active than mupirocinand that the antimicrobial compositions of Examples 31 and 32 were asactive as mupirocin as measured by eradication of MRSA from the anteriornasopharynx.

Using the Fisher's exact test. Results of treatment with mupirocin, Ex31, Ex. 32 and Ex. 33 were significantly (P<0.05) different than was notreatment. Treatment with Ex. 33 or Ex. 32 was significantly (P<0.05)more active than treatment with bland ointment. Treatment with Ex. 33was significantly (P<0.002) more active than mupirocin. Treatment withEx. 31 (P=0.46) was not significantly different than treatment withmupirocin. Treatment with Ex. 32 showed a trend toward being moreeffective than treatment with mupirocin (P=0.06).

Example 34

Example 34 was prepared using the components given in Table 10a. Whitepetrolatum and GML were heated in a beaker to at least approximately 93°C. In another beaker, glycerin, DOSS, and lactic acid were heated untilthe DOSS was dissolved at approximately 143° C. This solution was mixedwith a mixing propeller and allowed to cool to approximately 59° C.Next, the contents of the second beaker were mixed with the contents ofthe first beaker with a mixing propeller. Mixing and cooling continueduntil the composition was about to congeal at approximately 46° C. Justbefore the composition congealed it was removed from the mixer andpoured into ointment jars.

TABLE 10a Components (weight percent) Example 88% Lactic DOSS White No.GML Acid (100%) Glycerin Petrolatum 34 3.00 1.00 1.00 10.00 85.00

The composition appeared very similar to that of Example 31 using thisalternative process.

Examples 35-37

Antimicrobial Compositions were prepared using the components shown inTable 11a. PEG 400 and PEG 1450 were melted together in one beaker atabout 82° C. In a second beaker, the glycerin was heated to about 60° C.and the GML was dissolved in the heated glycerin. The enhancers andsurfactants were added to the first beaker of melted PEGs and mixed witha propeller mixer while keeping the temperature at about 82° C. Afterthe surfactants and enhancers were dissolved in the PEG component, thesolution was mixed and cooled to about 63° C. Then the contents of thesecond beaker, glycerin and GML were added with constant mixing. Thecompositions were cooled with continual mixing to just above thecongealing point (about 38° C.) and poured into ointment jars.

TABLE 11a Drawing Components (weight percent) Ex. Enhancer Glyc-Surfactant PEG PEG No. GML Type Amt. erin Type Amt. 400 1450 35 3.00 88%Lactic 1.00 20.00 DOSS 2.00 59.00 15.00 Acid USP (50%) 36 3.00 Mandelic1.00 10.00 Pluronic 5.00 60.00 21.00 Acid P65 37 3.00 Mandelic 1.0020.00 DOSS 2.00 59.00 15.00 Acid USP (50%)

The compositions of Examples 35-37 were evaluated using theAntimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 11b.

TABLE 11b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 35 >5.11 >5.11 >5.11 5.20 5.25 >5.3636 >6.14 >6.14 >6.14 >6.57 >6.57 >6.57 37 >6.14 >6.14 >6.14 6.29 6.396.48

The antimicrobial kill rate of these compositions was excellent againstall three organisms indicating broad spectrum kill. The antimicrobialkill rate was greater than 5 log reduction at 2, 5, and 10 minutes.

Examples 38-41

Antimicrobial Compositions were prepared using the components shown inTable 12a. The white petrolatum was melted in a beaker on a hot platewith gentle stirring with a propeller mixer while heating from about 88°C. to 93° C. In a second beaker the enhancers were dissolved orsuspended in the glycerin at about 77° C. The DOSS was added to the hotpetrolatum (88° C. to 93° C.) in the first beaker and mixed until aclear solution was obtained. The contents of the second beaker(glycerin-enhancer mixture) were added to the first beaker and thecomposition cooled with constant stirring. When the composition hadcooled to about 71° C. the GML was added with constant stirring. Thecompositions were cooled with continual mixing to just above thecongealing point (about 43° C.) and poured into ointment jars.

TABLE 12a Components (weight percent) White Example Enhancer DOSSPetrolatum No. GML Type Amt. Glycerin (100%) USP 38 3.00 Salicylic 0.2010.00 1.00 85.80 Acid 39 3.00 BHA 0.10 10.00 1.00 85.80 EDTA 0.10 (Na)₂40 3.00 BHA 0.10 10.00 0.00 86.69 EDTA 0.10 (Na)₂ Methyl 0.10 parabenPropyl 0.01 paraben 41 3.00 Benzoic 0.50 10.00 1.00 85.50 acid

The compositions of Examples 38-41 were evaluated using theAntimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 12b and12c.

TABLE 12b MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 38 3.50 6.26 6.88 3.20 6.74 6.74 39 3.55 4.136.45 3.20 3.98 4.13 40 3.33 4.79 5.84 4.66 6.33 6.74 41 4.49 4.54 4.625.25 5.32 5.32

TABLE 12c Pseudomonas ae. (log reduction) Example No. After 2 minutesAfter 5 minutes After 10 minutes 38 6.54 6.54 6.54 39 3.35 6.05 6.20 403.39 6.08 6.20 41 5.89 6.41 6.37

The results indicated that at least a 4 log reduction kill rate at 5minutes was achieved using the compositions of Examples 38-41. Thisindicated a rapid broad spectrum activity.

Examples 42-43, Comparative Examples B-E, Examples 31-32, and Examples38-49 Aging Study Using Gas Chromatography

Aging studies were done for some of the antimicrobial compositions. Gaschromatography (GC) was used to determine what components were beinglost and what components might be used to prevent that loss.

Additional antimicrobial compositions with different enhancers andwithout enhancers were prepared as described for Examples 38-41 usingthe components in Table 13a.

TABLE 13a Components (weight percent) Example Enhancer DOSS White No.GML Type Amt (100%) Glycerin Petrolatum 42 3.00 Benzoic 0.20 1.00 10.0085.80 Acid 43 3.00 Glycolic 1.00 1.00 10.00 85.00 Acid Comparative 3.00None 0.00 0.00 0.00 97.00 B Comparative 3.00 None 0.00 0.00 10.00 87.00C Comparative 3.00 None 0.00 1.00 10.00 86.00 D Comparative 30.00 None0.00 0.00 70.00 0.00 E

The compositions of Examples 31-32, 38-40, and 42-43, and ComparativeExamples B-E were evaluated using the Aging Study with GC as describedin the Test Protocols and the results are shown in Table 13b, 13c, 13dand 13e.

Example 31 contains lactic acid and Example 32 contains mandelic acid.The results in Table 13b and Table 13c indicate the difference in agingof the two compositions at 23° C. for 9 months and at 40° C. for 4weeks.

TABLE 13b GML in grams remaining after aging at 40° C. for: (weeks)Percent retention Example after 4 No. Initial 2 3 4 weeks 31 3.06 2.902.97 2.96 97 32 3.04 2.78 2.82 2.80 92

TABLE 13c GML in grams remaining after aging at 23° C. for (months)Percent retention after Example No. Initial 5 9 9 months 31 3.06 3.013.09 103 32 3.04 2.99 3.01 100

The results in Table 13d indicate the quantitative results of GML lossafter aging at the indicated temperatures for 7 days. The compositionsthat were incubated at 65° C. were in the liquid state so they werephase split and incubated with and without shaking to see if agitationitself contributed further to the GML loss.

TABLE 13d GML in grams remaining after aging 7 days at: Example 10° C.23° C. No. static static 40° C. static 65° C. static 65° shakenComparative B 3.03 ± 0.04 2.96 ± 0.01 3.04 ± 0.03 2.94 ± 0.05 2.97 ±0.02 Comparative C 3.05 ± 0.05 3.03 ± 0.02 3.14 ± 0.03 3.22 ± 0.12 3.20± 0.04 Comparative D 3.00 ± 0.10 3.05 ± 0.04 3.14 ± 0.03 3.12 ± 0.193.20 ± 0.02 31 3.21 ± 0.05 3.08 ± 0.01 3.02 ± 0.01 2.73 ± 0.01 2.70 ±0.01 32 3.17 ± 0.02 3.03 ± 0.02 2.91 ± 0.03 2.39 ± 0.01 2.54 ± 0.05Comparative E Not done Not done 30.33 ± 0.13  29.38 ± 0.23  29.98 ±0.12 

The results in Table 13e indicate the quantitative results of GML lossafter aging at the 40° C. for 28 days. The compositions contain avariety of enhancers: lactic acid (Example 31), salicylic acid (Example38), BHA and EDTA (Example 39), methyl and propyl paraben (Example 40),benzoic acid (Example 42), and glycolic acid (Example 43).

TABLE 13e Example GML in grams remaining after 4 weeks at: No. Initial40° C. Percent retention 31 3.03 ± 0.01 2.85 ± 0.02 94 38 2.85 ± 0.072.64 ± 0.07 93 39 2.97 ± 0.02 3.00 ± 0.02 101 40 3.03 ± 0.01 2.85 ± 0.0294 42 3.11 ± 0.01 2.91 ± 0.01 94 43 2.94 ± 0.01 2.70 ± 0.01 92

The examples in Table 13e may all have acceptable aging in that after 4weeks at 40° C. they had >90% retention of GML. Examples 39, 31, 40, and42, showed the best aging.

Subject Acceptability First Panel Evaluation

A panel of 10 normal healthy volunteers of either gender over 18 yearsof age evaluated a component composition without active antimicrobiallipid to determine acceptability and to develop evaluation methodologyfor future evaluations.

The compositions evaluated are shown in Table 14.

TABLE 14 Components (weight percent) Docuate Lactic sodium White PEGAcid Glycerin USP petrolatum PEG 3350 Composition USP USP (50%) USP 400NF NF W 1.00 10.00 2.00 87.00 0.00 0.00 X 1.00 20.00 2.00 0.00 59.0018.00

Test Procedure

A dose was 0.5 ml of Composition W or X applied using a preloaded 1 cm⁻³plastic syringe. The volunteers applied the first dose after viewing ademonstration of the technique. The volunteers applied a second andthird dose during Day 1.

One-half of the volunteers (5) were dosed with Composition W andone-half of the volunteers were dosed with Composition X on Day 1 andgiven a Rhinoscopic Examination of Nares before and after application onDay 1 and after 24 hours on Day 2. On Day 8 those volunteers dosed withComposition W on Day 1 received Composition X and those dosed withComposition X on Day received Composition W. They were given aRhinoscopic Examination of Nares before and after application on Day 8and after 24 hours on Day 9.

Volunteers completed a questionnaire on Day 1 and on Day 9.

Results:

All 10 volunteers successfully completed both periods of the study.Descriptive analysis was provided for each categorical variable in thestudy.

Composition W was preferred by 10/10 of the volunteers. Five of tenvolunteers could not complete all three application of Composition X.They cited stinging, burning and runny noses as primary reasons.Composition X caused more rhinorrhea than Composition W. Volunteersusing Composition X felt they could use the ointment for a shorterperiod of time than with Composition W. Composition W could be felt toremain in the nasal vestibule longer (mean 218 minutes) than CompositionX (mean 145 minutes).

Subject Acceptability Second Panel Evaluation

A second panel evaluation was done to determine acceptability ofessentially anhydrous ointments based hydrophobic vehicles containinglactic acid or mandelic acid. The criteria for the panel were the sameas for the first panel. The compositions evaluated are given in Table15.

TABLE 15 Components (weight percent) Lactic DOSS White Acid Mandelic USPGlycerin petrolatum Composition USP Acid (50%) USP USP Y 1.00 0.00 2.0010.00 87.00 Z 0.00 1.00 2.00 10.00 87.00

The test procedure was the same as that used for the first panel excepta cotton swab was used to apply the composition rather than a tube.

Results:

Both ointments were acceptable with minimal, if any, side effects. Thepreference for the two ointments was fairly equally divided. Four oftenvolunteers expressed a slight preference for the mandelic acidcomposition, three of ten volunteers expressed a slight preference forthe lactic acid composition, and three of ten volunteers noticed nodifference between the compositions.

Each volunteer applied 0.5 ml of composition; however, approximately 0.1gram was routinely left on the swab. Therefore the dose was about 0.2 mlper nare. The time that the ointments remained in the volunteers' nosesvaried between volunteers, but there were indications that the ointmentremained in place up to 24 hours. Two volunteers reported that theointment appeared to accumulate from application to application.

The feel of the ointment in the nose and smell were the most noticedcharacteristics of both ointments, but the characteristics were all inthe acceptable range.

Examples 44-47

Aqueous antimicrobial compositions were prepared using the componentslisted in Table 16a. Water or glycerin (Example 44), GML, mandelic acid,and PLURONIC P-65 were mixed and heated together to 70° C. The mixturewas sheared on a Silverson Homogenizer for 1 minute to emulsify thecomponents. A polymer was added to the warm solution for Examples 45-47.The composition was shaken, sealed in glass jars, and the jars wereplaced on a roller to mix and cool.

TABLE 16a Components (weight percent) Ex. Mandelic 70% Polymer POLOX-Water or No. GML acid DOSS Type Amt. AMER glycerin¹ 44 3.00 1.00 1.43None 0.00 0.00 94.57¹ 45 1.00 1.00 2.86 ARISTOFLEX 1.50 10.00 83.64 HMB46 0.94 0.94 2.70 SALCARE 8.50 9.43 77.49 SC92 47 1.00 1.00 2.83NATROSOL 2.08 9.89 83.24 Plus Type ¹Example 44 contains glycerin notwater

The pH of Examples 44-47 was determined using a pH meter (DenverInstrument, Model 225 from VWR Scientific) and a gel filled, epoxy,combination pH probe (VWR Scientific) and the results are shown in Table16b. The Brookfield viscosity was determined as described above usingthe Helipath spindles and speed of rotation in rotations per minute(rpm) indicated with the results shown in Table 16b.

TABLE 16b Example Helipath No. pH Viscosity (cps) spindle Speed (rpm) 44ND¹ 46000 E 1.5 45 2.3 66000 D 1.0 46 2.7 >1.35 Million F 0.5 47 2.6 2000 B 12.0 ¹ND means not done.

The compositions of Examples 44-47 were evaluated using theAntimicrobial Kill Rate Test and the results are shown in Table 16c and16d.

TABLE 16c MRSA (log reduction) E. coli (log reduction) Example After 2After 5 After 10 After 2 After 5 After 10 No. minutes minutes minutesminutes minutes minutes 44 >6.17 >6.17 >6.17 >5.93 >5.93 >5.9345 >6.17 >6.17 >6.17 >5.93 >5.93 >5.93 46 >5.94 >5.94 >5.94 5.83 >6.105.87 47 >6.17 >6.17 >6.17 5.88 >5.93 >5.93

TABLE 16d Pseudomonas ae. (log reduction) Example No. After 2 minutesAfter 5 minutes After 10 minutes 44 >6.06 >6.06 >6.06 45 4.86 6.55 6.3146 >6.01 >6.01 >6.01 47 5.98 >6.06 >6.06

The antimicrobial kill rate of these compositions was excellent againstall three organisms indicating broad spectrum kill. The antimicrobialkill rate was greater than 4 log reduction at 2 minutes and greater thana 5 log reduction at 5 and 10 minutes for all three bacteria. In fact,for many time points complete kill was achieved (as indicated by a “>”sign).

Examples 48-76

Additional antimicrobial compositions were prepared using the componentsshown in Table 17, plus 0.5% weight by weight (w/w) benzoic acid and theremaining percentage w/w amount petrolatum. The petrolatum, glycerin,and DOSS were heated in an oven to 77° C. until completely melted. Theywere then removed from the heat and mixed using a Silverson labhomogenizer for 60 seconds at 75% speed. After the contents cooled to60° C. the benzoic acid was added and this was sheared with theSilverson homogenizer for 60 seconds at 75% speed. Immediatelythereafter the glycerol monolaurate (Lauricidin) was added andhomogenized for 60 seconds at 75% speed. Mixing the composition wascontinued using an overhead propeller mixer until it was cool. Thecontents were sealed in a glass mixing jar. Each sample was tested forantimicrobial activity in duplicate according to the AntimicrobialFilter Assay Test against both MRSA and MSSA (one strain each).

The samples made were set up as a Central Composite Design ofExperiments (DOE). Initially the components were varied over thefollowing ranges: Glycerin 5-25 wt-%; DOSS 0.5-2 wt-%; and GML 2-6 wt-%.

Additional compositions were added to this original design and these areincluded in Table 17. Samples were made in run order as indicated inTable 17. The results of the DOE were analyzed using Design Expert 6.0.3(Stat-Ease Inc., Minneapolis, Minn.). Analysis of the reduced modelusing variance indicates that for killing MSSA a linear model having theconcentration of glycerin and DOSS as significant variables is anexcellent fit having a “p value” of less than 0.0003. The finalequations are shown below:

Final Equation in Terms of Coded Factors:

MSSA Filter Assay Kill=+2.76+0.66*A(glycerin)+1.76*B(DOSS)+0.51*C(GML)

Final Equation in Terms of Actual Factors:

MSSA Filter Assay Kill=−2.188+0.0663*Glycerin+2.353*DOSS+0.254*GML

Analysis of the reduced model using variance indicates that for killingMRSA a linear model having the concentration of glycerin and DOSS assignificant variables is an excellent fit having a “p value” of lessthan 0.0001. The final equations are shown below:

Final Equation in Terms of Coded Factors:

MRSA Filter Assay Kill=+3.32+1.37*A(glcyerin)+1.58*B(DOSS)−0.10*C (GML)

Final Equation in Terms of Actual Factors:

MRSA Filter Assay Kill=−1.16+0.137*Glycerin+2.106*DOSS−0.052330*GML

The equations and statistical results indicate that increasing theconcentration of hydrophilic component (glycerin) and the surfactant(DOSS) improve the antimicrobial efficacy in compositions comprising ahydrophobic vehicle.

Antimicrobial Filter Assay Efficacy Test

This method tries to mimic the actual use conditions for many topicalantiseptics. In most cases a topical antiseptic is applied to the areaand allowed to remain in contact and kill any microorganisms present inan essentially static state. In this assay, a composition was spreadonto a film to form a uniform coating 10-mil (250-μm) thick. A membranefilter with bacteria on the surface was directly contacted onto thesurface of the composition. After a defined period of time (usually 2hours), the inoculated disk was placed in a neutralizing broth, and atleast a portion of this was diluted and plated to enumerate thesurviving bacteria. For less viscous compositions, a compatiblethickening agent should be incorporated to achieve a viscosity of atleast 20,000 cps and preferably at least 50,000 cps.

The Neutralizing Solution (NS) preparation was a modification of theStandard Sampling Solution (P. Williamson et al., “A New Method for theQuantitative Investigation of Cutaneous Bacteria,” J. Invest. Derm., 45,498-503 (1965)). The following components in the listed amounts werecombined and heated on high with stirring until lecithin was completelydissolved and the solution became white. The solution was then allowedto cool, the pH adjusted to 7.9±0.1 (when required), and then autoclavedfor 20 minutes. The solution was swirled immediately aftersterilization.

0.04% monobasic potassium phosphate (KH₂PO₄) 0.4 g 1.01% dibasic sodiumphosphate (Na₂HPO₄) 10.1 g 0.1% Triton X-100 1.0 g 0.3% Lecithin 3.0 g3.0% Tween 80. 30.0 g dH₂O to 1 L

The phosphate buffered water (PBW) was prepared according toButterfield's Phosphate Buffer, Journal of the Association of OfficialAnalytical Chemists, 22, 625 (1939). Briefly, a 0.25M stock solution wasprepared by dissolving 34 grams potassium dihydrogen phosphate in 500 mLdeionized water. The pH was adjusted to 7.2 with 10N sodium hydroxideand the volume diluted to exactly 1 liter. This was filter sterilizedand dispensed into sterile bottles that were stored at 4° C. until use.The working solution of PBW was prepared by adding 1.25 mL stocksolution to 1 liter deionized water and autoclaved for 20 minutes.

An initial experiment was conducted to confirm that the NeutralizingSolution (NS) was effective at neutralizing the antiseptic while notdamaging the microorganisms. In general, to confirm neutralization, 100μL (approximately 10⁴ CFU/mL) of inoculum (target final organismconcentration of 10-100 CFU/mL) was added to warmed (35° C.+2° C.) 20 mLNeutralizing Solution and vortexed (Toxicity Control). In addition, a23-mm sample disk with ointment was dropped into the NS and the tubevortexed vigorously (Test Sample). Duplicate samples of one (1) mLaliquots were pour plated at two time points: (1) immediately (<1minute) in tryptic soy agar (TSA), and (2) after 1 hour at ambienttemperature. Plates were incubated at 35° C.+2° C. for up to 48 hours.Colonies were counted and CFU/mL calculated. The data was converted tolog₁₀ CFU/mL.

The Numbers Control consisted of 100 μL of inoculum added to 20 mL PBW(phosphate buffered water) to yield an organism concentration of 10-100CFU/mL.

Neutralizer Effectiveness: If the log₁₀ CFU/mL of the test sample wasnot more than 0.3 log less than the log₁₀ CFU/mL of the correspondingNumbers Control, the neutralization was considered effective.

Neutralizer Toxicity: If the Toxicity Control (TC) was not more than 0.3log less than the log₁₀ CFU/mL of the corresponding Numbers Controlsample, the neutralizing solution was considered non-toxic.

Test Organisms and Inoculum Preparation

The test organisms for this assay were methicillin resistantStaphylococcus aureus (MRSA), ATCC 33953 and Staphylococcus aureus(MSSA), ATCC 27217. The initial suspension was prepared by suspendingbacterial colonies from overnight growth plates in phosphate-bufferedwater (PBW). A 0.5 McFarland turbidity standard was used to obtain acell density of approximately 1.5×10⁸ CFU/mL.

Initial and final counts were taken of the inoculum suspenstion weretaken at the beginning and end of the test period to confirm these werewithin 1.0 log/ml for a valid test.

Test Materials

Examples were spread at room temperature to a uniform thickness of 0.010inch (250 μm) using a laboratory hand held knife coater (slotted knife)onto a 100 μm thick biaxially oriented clean and 70% v/v isopropylalcohol (IPA) disinfected polyesterterephthalate (PET) film. Thesecoated samples were placed in sterile Petri dishes and sealed withParafilm to prevent evaporation and preserve cleanliness. Bubbles in theformulation were minimized as much as possible. Test samples were thencut from the PET coated films using a 70% v/v isopropyl alcohol (IPA)disinfected 23 mm die. The sample disks were stored in sterile Petridishes on thin layers of sterile gauze or other similar support untiltesting. The disks were warmed to 36° C. prior to testing antimicrobialactivity.

Measurement of Antimicrobial Activity:

Using aseptic technique, a 0.22 μm filter (Millipore (Billerica, Mass.)white GSWP, 25 mm (nitrocellulose cat. No GSWP02500) was inserted into aglass filter holder with fritted glass support. The filter holder wasplaced over an Erlenmeyer filter flask, which was connected to a vacuumpump. While a vacuum was pulled, 2 mL of the inoculum were slowlydropped onto the filter and rinsed slowly with approximately 5 mL ofPBW, resulting in approximately 8 logs bacteria (10⁸) on the surface ofthe filter.

After the vacuum was released, the filter was removed from the filterholder with a 70% IPA-disinfected forceps and placed bacteria-side downon top of a warmed ointment disk. The filter was gently pressed in placewith the forceps. Approximately 1 mL of sterile water was added to thePetri dish to prevent desiccation. The samples were incubated for 2hours at 35° C.+2° C. All samples were tested in duplicate.

Control samples were prepared to enumerate the level of bacteriacaptured on the filters. The filters containing bacteria were placedover disinfected PET film disks (no ointment). All other procedures werethe same as the test samples.

At the end of the exposure time (time bacteria are in contact with thecomposition) the inoculated disk was dropped into 20 mL warm (35° C.±2°C.) NS. The tubes were shaken by hand until the filter separated fromthe ointment, then vortexed vigorously for 2 minutes to suspend anysurviving bacteria on a VWR Scientific Vortex Genie 2. Serial dilutionswere prepared in PBW and plated in duplicate with TSA. Plates wereincubated at 35° C.±2° C. for up to 48 hours.

Colonies were counted and raw data was recorded. Duplicate plates wereaveraged and multiplied by the dilution factor to arrive at CFU/mL. Theaverage CFU/sample was calculated by multiplication of CFU/mL by thetotal volume (20 mL) and then converted to log₁₀ CFU/mL. Counts of lessthan 1 CFU/sample were treated as 1 CFU/sample such that the logtransformation was zero. Log reductions were calculated by subtractingthe log₁₀ bacterial recovery of the test materials from the averagedlog₁₀ bacterial recovery of the control.

The compositions of the present invention were analyzed for theirability to kill MRSA at 2 hours. The data is shown in Table 17.

TABLE 17 Response 1 Response 2 Response 3 Factor 1 Factor 2 Factor 3 MaxAverage Run Glycerin DOSS GML Emulsion size log reduction Ex. # Orderwt. % wt. % wt. % (micron) MSSA MRSA 48 1 25.0 1.25 2.0 163 3.35 5.77 492 15.0 0.50 6.0 45 0.78 1.17 50 3 25.0 2.00 4.0 90 6.68 6.31 51 4 5.01.25 2.0 50 0.76 1.71 52 5 15.0 1.25 4.0 85 3.38 3.37 53 6 25.0 0.50 4.080 1.21 2.35 54 7 5.0 1.25 6.0 15 1.03 1.39 55 8 15.0 1.25 4.0 95 3.412.88 56 9 25.0 1.25 6.0 119 5.33 4.41 57 10 15.0 1.25 4.0 95 2.52 2.3558 11 15.0 2.00 6.0 55 4.82 4.89 59 12 5.0 0.50 4.0 50 0.5 0.3 60 1315.0 1.25 4.0 97 6.04 6.64 61 14 15.0 0.50 2.0 101 1.42 1.7 62 15 15.01.25 4.0 68 4.39 4.18 63 16 15.0 2.00 2.0 73 5.2 5.07 64 17 5.0 2.00 4.081 3.68 3.08 65 18 10.0 1.00 3.0 40 2.76 1.92 66 19 30.0 1.75 2.5 NT4.75 7.76 67 20 30.0 1.25 2.0 NT 2.85 6.22 68 21 30.0 2.00 4.0 NT 6.766.76 69 22 30.0 0.50 4.0 NT 1.45 2.36 70 23 30.0 1.25 6.0 NT 3.66 6.9371 24 23.5 2.00 2.5 NT 1.32 3.87 72 25 23.5 1.50 3.0 NT 1.71 3.73 73 2615.0 1.25 4.0 NT 1.94 3.41 74 27 20.0 1.25 4.0 NT 1.92 2.96 75 28 10.01.25 4.0 NT 1.74 2.5 76 29 10.0 1.00 3.0 NT 1.08 4.02 NT = not tested

Preferred compositions achieved, after 2 hours of contact with the MRSAladdened filter paper, at least 1.5 log reduction, more preferably atleast a 2 log reduction, and most preferably at least a 3 log reduction.Particularly preferred compositions of the present invention achieved atleast a 4 log reduction after 2 hours of contact. Most preferredformulations achieved these log reduction values for both test organisms(MRSA and MSSA).

The results shown in Table 17 indicate that as both the hydrophiliccomponent (glycerin) and the surfactant (DOSS) increase in concentrationso does the antimicrobial efficacy, when the antimicrobial compositionis formulated in a hydrophobic vehicle.

Killing Microbes on Tissue

Many of the compositions of the present invention are intended to killmicroorganisms on mammalian tissue such as skin and mucosal tissue. Theextent of kill can be determined in the following manner. Subjects areidentified who are naturally colonized with the microorganism ofinterest. This is preferred over methods where the tissue isartificially colonized with non-resident flora. For example, subjectsmay be identified who are colonized with Staphylococcus aureus (SA) inthe anterior nares by swabbing the anterior nares and culturing theswab. This is normally repeated at least one additional time to ensurethe subject is a “chronic carrier,” i.e., one who carries the organismall or most of the time. A swab may also be taken several days prior totreatment to increase the probability that the subject is, in fact, acarrier. The subject is then treated with the indicated composition in adose and at a frequency stated. The anterior nares once again areswabbed to determine if the bacteria has been reduced or eradicated(decolonized). Preferred formulations eradicate the SA in less than 72hours, more preferably in less than 48 hours, and most preferably in 24hours or less. On skin the procedure is similar except that a controlsite distinct from the treatment site may be selected on the treatmentday. In this case, a log reduction may be determined. The procedure onskin is described in Federal Register, 21 CFR Parts 333 and 369,Tentative Final Monograph for Healthcare Antiseptic Drug Products;Proposed Rule, 1994 (scrub cup method). When performing this method onskin the antiseptic compositions are generally allowed to remain incontact with the skin for at least 6 hours under a suitable dressingsuch as that available under the trade designation TEGADERM from 3MCompany, St. Paul, Minn., to check for antimicrobial activity. Preferredformulations show at least 1 log reduction and preferably at least 1.5log reduction in 6 hours on a dry skin site (e.g., the abdomen).

The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents, andpublications cited herein are incorporated by reference in theirentirety as if each were individually incorporated. Variousmodifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit ofthis invention. It should be understood that this invention is notintended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments andexamples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments arepresented by way of example only with the scope of the inventionintended to be limited only by the claims set forth herein as follows.

What is claimed is:
 1. An antimicrobial composition comprising: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; a hydrophilic component; and a hydrophobic component whichforms the greatest portion of the composition.
 2. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein water is present in less than 10 wt-%.
 3. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the antimicrobial lipid component ispresent in an amount of at least 0.1 wt-%.
 4. The composition of claim 3wherein the antimicrobial lipid component comprises a monoester of apolyhydric alcohol, a monoester of a polyhydric alcohol, or analkoxylated derivative thereof, and the antimicrobial lipid componentfurther includes no greater than 15 wt-%, based on the total weight ofthe antimicrobial lipid component, of a di- or tri-ester, a di- ortri-ether, alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof. 5.The composition of claim 1 wherein the total concentration of theenhancer component relative to the total concentration of lipidcomponent is within a range of 10:1 to 1:300, on a weight basis.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the total concentration of the surfactantto the total concentration of antimicrobial lipid component is within arange of 5:1 to 1:100, on a weight basis.
 7. The composition of claim 1wherein the hydrophilic component is present in an amount of 1 wt-% to40 wt-%.
 8. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic componentis present in an amount of 50 wt-% to 99 wt-%.
 9. The composition ofclaim 1 wherein the antimicrobial lipid component comprises glycerolmonolaurate, glycerol monocaprate, glycerol monocaprylate, propyleneglycol monolaurate, propylene glycol monocaprate, propylene glycolmonocaprylate, or combinations thereof.
 10. The composition of claim 1wherein the enhancer component comprises a carboxylic acid.
 11. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the enhancer component comprises analpha-hydroxy acid.
 12. The composition of claim 1 wherein thesurfactant comprises a sulfonate, a sulfate, a phosphonate, a phosphate,a poloxamer, a cationic surfactant, or mixtures thereof.
 13. Thecomposition of claim 12 wherein the surfactant is selected from thegroup consisting of a sulfonate, a sulfate, a phosphate, and mixturesthereof.
 14. The composition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophiliccomponent comprises a glycol, a lower alcohol ether, a short chainester, or combinations thereof, wherein the hydrophilic component issoluble in water in an amount of at least 20 wt-% at 23° C.
 15. Thecomposition of claim 1 wherein the hydrophobic component is an organiccompound that is liquid, gelatinous, semisolid, or solid at 23° C. andhas a solubility in water of less than 5 wt-% at 23° C.
 16. Thecomposition of claim 1 having at least 4 log reduction in test bacteriain 10 minutes when evaluated by the Antimicrobial Efficacy Test.
 17. Anantimicrobial composition comprising: 0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-% of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; 0.01 wt-% to 20 wt-% of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; 0.1 wt-% to 10 wt-% of a surfactant distinct fromthe antimicrobial lipid component; 1 wt-% to 40 wt-% of a hydrophiliccomponent; 50 wt-% to 95 wt-% of a hydrophobic component; and less than10 wt-% water.
 18. An antimicrobial composition comprising: an effectiveamount of an antimicrobial lipid having a solubility in water of atleast 100 μg/100 g deionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionizedwater; an effective amount of an enhancer component comprising analpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a(C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; a hydrophilic component; and a hydrophobic component whichforms the greatest portion of the composition.
 19. An antimicrobialcomposition comprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; and a hydrophilic component; wherein the viscosity of thecomposition is at least 500 cps.
 20. An antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol,a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; a hydrophilic component; a hydrophobic component; and lessthan 10 wt-% water; wherein the hydrophilic component forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight.
 21. An antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the ethers comprise monoethers, and for sucrose the etherscomprise monoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; an effectiveamount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, abeta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.22. An antimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty etherof a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinationsthereof, wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles ofalkoxide per mole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that forpolyhydric alcohols other than sucrose, the ethers comprise monoethers,and for sucrose the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophilic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition; wherein the viscosity of thecomposition is at least 500 cps.
 23. An antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componenthaving a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized waterand at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophilic component which formsthe greatest portion of the composition; wherein the viscosity of thecomposition is at least 500 cps.
 24. A method of preventing and/ortreating an affliction caused, or aggravated by, a microbial organism onmammalian tissue, the method comprising contacting the mammalian tissuewith the antimicrobial composition of claim
 1. 25. A method ofpreventing and/or treating an affliction caused, or aggravated by, amicroorganism on mammalian tissue, the method comprising contacting themammalian tissue with the antimicrobial composition of claim
 17. 26. Amethod of preventing and/or treating an affliction caused, or aggravatedby, a microorganism on mammalian tissue, the method comprisingcontacting the mammalian tissue with the antimicrobial composition ofclaim
 18. 27. A method of preventing and/or treating an afflictioncaused, or aggravated by, a microorganism on mammalian tissue, themethod comprising contacting the mammalian tissue with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim
 19. 28. A method of preventing and/or treating anaffliction caused, or aggravated by, a microorganism on mammaliantissue, the method comprising contacting the mammalian tissue with theantimicrobial composition of claim
 20. 29. A method of preventing and/ortreating an affliction caused, or aggravated by, a microorganism onmammalian tissue, the method comprising contacting the mammalian tissuewith the antimicrobial composition of claim
 21. 30. A method ofpreventing and/or treating an affliction caused, or aggravated by, amicroorganism on mammalian tissue, the method comprising contacting themammalian tissue with the antimicrobial composition of claim
 22. 31. Amethod of preventing and/or treating an affliction caused, or aggravatedby, a microorganism on mammalian tissue, the method comprisingcontacting the mammalian tissue with the antimicrobial composition ofclaim
 23. 32. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of the nasalcavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the nasal cavities,anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx with the antimicrobial composition ofclaim 1 in an amount effective to kill one or more microorganisms.
 33. Amethod of decolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities,anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, themethod comprising contacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/ornasopharynx with the antimicrobial composition of claim 17 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms.
 34. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withthe antimicrobial composition of claim 18 in an amount effective to killone or more microorganisms.
 35. A method of decolonizing at least aportion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of asubject of microorganisms, the method comprising contacting the nasalcavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim 19 in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms.
 36. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thenasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the nasal cavities,anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx with the antimicrobial composition ofclaim 20 in an amount effective to kill one or more microorganisms. 37.A method of decolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities,anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, themethod comprising contacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/ornasopharynx with the antimicrobial composition of claim 21 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms.
 38. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withthe antimicrobial composition of claim 22 in an amount effective to killone or more microorganisms.
 39. A method of decolonizing at least aportion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx of asubject of microorganisms, the method comprising contacting the nasalcavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim 23 in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms.
 40. A method of killing or inactivating microorganisms,the method comprising contacting the microorganisms with theantimicrobial composition of claim 1 in an amount effective to kill orinactivate one or more microorganisms.
 41. The method of claim 40wherein the microorganisms comprise bacteria and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to kill one or more bacteria.42. The method of claim 41 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcusspp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp.,Pseudamonas spp., or combinations thereof.
 43. The method of claim 42wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcusepidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcuspyogenes, or combinations thereof.
 44. The method of claim 40 whereinthe microorganisms comprise one or more viruses and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to inactivate one or moreviruses.
 45. The method of claim 40 wherein the microorganisms compriseone or more fungi and the antimicrobial composition is used in an amounteffective to kill one or more fungi.
 46. A method of killing orinactivating microorganisms, the method comprising contacting themicroorganisms with the antimicrobial composition of claim 17 in anamount effective to kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms. 47.The method of claim 46 wherein the microorganisms comprise bacteria andthe antimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to kill oneor more bacteria.
 48. The method of claim 47 wherein the bacteriacomprise Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp.,Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonas spp., or combinations thereof.
 49. Themethod of claim 48 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Streptococcus pyogenes, or combinations thereof.
 50. The method of claim46 wherein the microorganisms comprise one or more viruses and theantimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to inactivateone or more viruses.
 51. The method of claim 46 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more fungi and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to kill one or more fungi.52. A method of killing or inactivating microorganisms, the methodcomprising contacting the microorganisms with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim 18 in an amount effective to kill or inactivate oneor more microorganisms.
 53. The method of claim 52 wherein themicroorganisms comprise bacteria and the antimicrobial composition isused in an amount effective to kill one or more bacteria.
 54. The methodof claim 53 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus spp.,Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonasspp., or combinations thereof.
 55. The method of claim 54 wherein thebacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, orcombinations thereof.
 56. The method of claim 52 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more viruses and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to inactivate one or moreviruses.
 57. The method of claim 52 wherein the microorganisms compriseone or more fungi and the antimicrobial composition is used in an amounteffective to kill one or more fungi.
 58. A method of killing orinactivating microorganisms, the method comprising contacting themicroorganisms with the antimicrobial composition of claim 19 in anamount effective to kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms. 59.The method of claim 58 wherein the microorganisms comprise bacteria andthe antimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to kill oneor more bacteria.
 60. The method of claim 59 wherein the bacteriacomprise Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp.,Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonas spp., or combinations thereof.
 61. Themethod of claim 60 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Streptococcus pyogenes, or combinations thereof.
 62. The method of claim58 wherein the microorganisms comprise one or more viruses and theantimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to inactivateone or more viruses.
 63. The method of claim 58 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more fungi and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to kill one or more fungi.64. A method of killing or inactivating microorganisms, the methodcomprising contacting the microorganisms with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim 20 in an amount effective to kill or inactivate oneor more microorganisms.
 65. The method of claim 64 wherein themicroorganisms comprise bacteria and the antimicrobial composition isused in an amount effective to kill one or more bacteria.
 66. The methodof claim 59 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus spp.,Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonasspp., or combinations thereof.
 67. The method of claim 60 wherein thebacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, orcombinations thereof.
 68. The method of claim 64 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more viruses and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to inactivate one or moreviruses.
 69. The method of claim 64 wherein the microorganisms compriseone or more fungi and the antimicrobial composition is used in an amounteffective to kill one or more fungi.
 70. A method of killing orinactivating microorganisms, the method comprising contacting themicroorganisms with the antimicrobial composition of claim 21 in anamount effective to kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms. 71.The method of claim 70 wherein the microorganisms comprise bacteria andthe antimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to kill oneor more bacteria.
 72. The method of claim 71 wherein the bacteriacomprise Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp.,Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonas spp., or combinations thereof.
 73. Themethod of claim 72 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Streptococcus pyogenes, or combinations thereof.
 74. The method of claim70 wherein the microorganisms comprise one or more viruses and theantimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to inactivateone or more viruses.
 75. The method of claim 70 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more fungi and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to kill one or more fungi.76. A method of killing or inactivating microorganisms, the methodcomprising contacting the microorganisms with the antimicrobialcomposition of claim 22 in an amount effective to kill or inactivate oneor more microorganisms.
 77. The method of claim 76 wherein themicroorganisms comprise bacteria and the antimicrobial composition isused in an amount effective to kill one or more bacteria.
 78. The methodof claim 77 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus spp.,Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp., Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonasspp., or combinations thereof.
 79. The method of claim 76 wherein thebacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis,Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Streptococcus pyogenes, orcombinations thereof.
 80. The method of claim 76 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more viruses and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to inactivate one or moreviruses.
 81. The method of claim 76 wherein the microorganisms compriseone or more fungi and the antimicrobial composition is used in an amounteffective to kill one or more fungi.
 82. A method of killing orinactivating microorganisms, the method comprising contacting themicroorganisms with the antimicrobial composition of claim 23 in anamount effective to kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms. 83.The method of claim 82 wherein the microorganisms comprise bacteria andthe antimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to kill oneor more bacteria.
 84. The method of claim 83 wherein the bacteriacomprise Staphylococcus spp., Streptococcus spp., Escherichia spp.,Enterococcus spp., Pseudamonas spp., or combinations thereof.
 85. Themethod of claim 84 wherein the bacteria comprise Staphylococcus aureus,Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Streptococcus pyogenes, or combinations thereof.
 86. The method of claim82 wherein the microorganisms comprise one or more viruses and theantimicrobial composition is used in an amount effective to inactivateone or more viruses.
 87. The method of claim 82 wherein themicroorganisms comprise one or more fungi and the antimicrobialcomposition is used in an amount effective to kill one or more fungi.88. A method of providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on a surface,the method comprising contacting the surface with the composition ofclaim
 1. 89. A method of providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on asurface, the method comprising contacting the surface with thecomposition of claim
 17. 90. A method of providing residualantimicrobial efficacy on a surface, the method comprising contactingthe surface with the composition of claim
 18. 91. A method of providingresidual antimicrobial efficacy on a surface, the method comprisingcontacting the surface with the composition of claim
 19. 92. A method ofproviding residual antimicrobial efficacy on a surface, the methodcomprising contacting the surface with the composition of claim
 20. 93.A method of providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on a surface, themethod comprising contacting the surface with the composition of claim21.
 94. A method of providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on asurface, the method comprising contacting the surface with thecomposition of claim
 22. 95. A method of providing residualantimicrobial efficacy on a surface, the method comprising contactingthe surface with the composition of claim
 23. 96. A method of preventingand/or treating a subject for a common cold and/or respiratoryaffliction caused by a microbial infection, the method comprisingcontacting the subject with the composition of claim 1 in at least aportion of the subject's respiratory system in an amount effective tokill or inactivate one or more microorganisms that cause a common coldand/or respiratory affliction.
 97. A method of preventing and/ortreating a subject for a common cold and/or respiratory afflictioncaused by a microbial infection, the method comprising contacting thesubject with the composition of claim 17 in at least a portion of thesubject's respiratory system in an amount effective to kill orinactivate one or more microorganisms that cause a common cold and/orrespiratory affliction.
 98. A method of preventing and/or treating asubject for a common cold and/or respiratory affliction caused by amicrobial infection, the method comprising contacting the subject withthe composition of claim 18 in at least a portion of the subject'srespiratory system in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one ormore microorganisms that cause a common cold and/or respiratoryaffliction.
 99. A method of preventing and/or treating a subject for acommon cold and/or respiratory affliction caused by a microbialinfection, the method comprising contacting the subject with thecomposition of claim 19 in at least a portion of the subject'srespiratory system in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one ormore microorganisms that cause a common cold and/or respiratoryaffliction.
 100. A method of preventing and/or treating a subject for acommon cold and/or respiratory affliction caused by a microbialinfection, the method comprising contacting the subject with thecomposition of claim 20 in at least a portion of the subject'srespiratory system in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one ormore microorganisms that cause a common cold and/or respiratoryaffliction.
 101. A method of preventing and/or treating a subject for acommon cold and/or respiratory affliction caused by a microbialinfection, the method comprising contacting the subject with thecomposition of claim 21 in at least a portion of the subject'srespiratory system in an amount effective to kill inactivate one or moremicroorganisms that cause a common cold and/or respiratory affliction.102. A method of preventing and/or treating a subject for a common coldand/or respiratory affliction caused by a microbial infection, themethod comprising contacting the subject with the composition of claim22 in at least a portion of the subject's respiratory system in anamount effective to kill inactivate one or more microorganisms thatcause a common cold and/or respiratory affliction.
 103. A method ofpreventing and/or treating a subject for a common cold and/orrespiratory affliction caused by a microbial infection, the methodcomprising contacting the subject with the composition of claim 23 in atleast a portion of the subject's respiratory system in an amounteffective to kill inactivate one or more microorganisms that cause acommon cold and/or respiratory affliction.
 104. A method of decolonizingat least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/ornasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withan antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 105. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the nasal cavities, anterior nares,and/or nasopharynx of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the nasal cavities, anterior nares, and/or nasopharynx withan antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component having a solubilityin water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized water and at most 1 g/100 gdeionized water; and a hydrophobic component which forms the greatestportion of the composition by weight.
 106. The method of claim 105wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 107. The method of claim 106 whereinthe composition further comprises a hydrophilic component.
 108. A methodof treating a middle ear infection in a subject, the method comprisingcontacting the middle ear, tympanic membrane, and/or Eustachian tubewith an antimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 109. A method of treating a middle ear infectionin a subject, the method comprising contacting the middle ear, tympanicmembrane, and/or Eustachian tube with an antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componenthaving a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized waterand at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; and an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 110. A method of treating a middle earinfection in a subject, the method comprising contacting the middle ear,tympanic membrane, and/or Eustachian tube with an antimicrobialcomposition comprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 111. The method of claim110 wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 112. A method of treating chronicsinusitis in a subject, the method comprising contacting at least aportion of the respiratory system with an antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol,a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; wherein the composition comprises less than 0.50percent by weight (C6-C18)fatty acid.
 113. A method of treating chronicsinusitis in a subject, the method comprising contacting at least aportion of the respiratory system with an antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol,a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 114. A method of treatingchronic sinusitis in a subject, the method comprising contacting atleast a portion of the respiratory system with an antimicrobialcomposition comprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipidcomponent having a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 gdeionized water and at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.115. The method of claim 114 wherein the composition further comprisesan effective amount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxyacid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylicacid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid,a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof.
 116. A method oftreating chronic sinusitis in a subject, the method comprisingcontacting at least a portion of the respiratory system with anantimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 117. A method of treating impetigo on the skin ofa subject, the method comprising contacting the affected area with anantimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 118. The method of claim 117 wherein thecomposition further comprises a hydrophilic component, wherein theviscosity of the composition is at least 500 cps.
 119. A method oftreating impetigo on the skin of a subject, the method comprisingcontacting the affected area with an antimicrobial compositioncomprising: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componenthaving a solubility in water of at least 100 μg/100 g deionized waterand at most 1 g/100 g deionized water; and an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 120. A method of treating impetigo onthe skin of a subject, the method comprising contacting the affectedarea with an antimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amountof an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and theethers comprise monoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprisemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers comprisemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.121. The method of claim 120 wherein the composition further comprisesan effective amount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxyacid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylicacid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid,a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof.
 122. A method oftreating and/or preventing an infection on mammalian tissue of asubject, the method comprising contacting the mammalian tissue with anantimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill or inactivateone or more microorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial compositioncomprises: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol,a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a hydrophilic component; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.123. A method of treating and/or preventing an infection on themammalian tissue of a subject, the method comprising contacting themammalian tissue with an antimicrobial composition in an amounteffective to kill or inactivate one or more microorganisms, wherein theantimicrobial composition comprises: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; a surfactant distinct from the antimicrobial lipidcomponent; and a hydrophobic component which forms the greatest portionof the composition by weight.
 124. A method of treating and/orpreventing an infection on the mammalian tissue of a subject, the methodcomprising contacting the mammalian tissue with an antimicrobialcomposition in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 125. The method of claim124 wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 126. A method of treating a burn, themethod comprising contacting the burned area of a subject with anantimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill or inactivateone or more microorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial compositioncomprises: an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid componentcomprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol,a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 127. A method of treating a burn, the methodcomprising contacting the burned area of a subject with an antimicrobialcomposition in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one or moremicroorganisms, wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises: aneffective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 128. The method of claim127 wherein the composition further comprises an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof.
 129. A method of killing orinactivating microorganisms on the mammalian tissue of a subject, themethod comprising contacting the affected area with an antimicrobialcomposition in an amount effective to kill or inactivate one or moremicroorganisms, the antimicrobial composition comprising: an effectiveamount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 130. The method of claim 129 wherein thecomposition further comprises a hydrophilic component, wherein theviscosity of the composition is at least 500 cps.
 131. A method ofkilling or inactivating microorganisms on the mammalian tissue of asubject, the method comprising contacting the affected area with anantimicrobial composition in an amount effective to kill or inactivateone or more microorganisms, the method comprising: an effective amountof an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and theethers comprise monoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprisemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers comprisemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophobiccomponent which forms the greatest portion of the composition by weight.132. The method of claim 131 wherein the composition further comprisesan effective amount of an enhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxyacid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylicacid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid,a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkylalcohol, an ether glycol, or combinations thereof.
 133. A method ofproviding residual antimicrobial efficacy on mammalian tissue of asubject, the method comprising contacting the mammalian tissue with anantimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amount of anantimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester ofa polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, analkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein thealkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole ofpolyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols otherthan sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof; and a surfactant and/or a hydrophilic component.134. A method of providing residual antimicrobial efficacy on mammaliantissue of a subject, the method comprising contacting the mammaliantissue with an antimicrobial composition comprising: an effective amountof an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a (C7-C12)saturated fattyacid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acidester of a polyhydric alcohol, a (C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of apolyhydric alcohol, a (C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydricalcohol, an alkoxylated derivative thereof, or combinations thereof,wherein the alkoxylated derivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide permole of polyhydric alcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydricalcohols other than sucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and theethers comprise monoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprisemonoesters, diesters, or combinations thereof, and the ethers comprisemonoethers, diethers, or combinations thereof; an effective amount of anenhancer component comprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxyacid, a chelating agent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)arylcarboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkarylcarboxylic acid, a phenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an etherglycol, or combinations thereof; and a hydrophobic component which formsthe greatest portion of the composition by weight.
 135. A method ofpreventing and/or treating a subject for a common cold and/orrespiratory affliction caused by a microbial infection, the methodcomprising contacting at least a portion of the respiratory system of asubject with an antimicrobial composition in an amount effective to killor inactivate one or more microorganisms that cause a common cold and/orrespiratory affliction; wherein the antimicrobial composition comprises:an effective amount of an antimicrobial lipid component comprising a(C7-C12)saturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty acid ester of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C7-C12)saturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, a(C8-C22)unsaturated fatty ether of a polyhydric alcohol, an alkoxylatedderivative thereof, or combinations thereof, wherein the alkoxylatedderivative has less than 5 moles of alkoxide per mole of polyhydricalcohol; with the proviso that for polyhydric alcohols other thansucrose, the esters comprise monoesters and the ethers comprisemonoethers, and for sucrose the esters comprise monoesters, diesters, orcombinations thereof, and the ethers comprise monoethers, diethers, orcombinations thereof; and an effective amount of an enhancer componentcomprising an alpha-hydroxy acid, a beta-hydroxy acid, a chelatingagent, a (C1-C4)alkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)aryl carboxylic acid, a(C6-C12)aralkyl carboxylic acid, a (C6-C12)alkaryl carboxylic acid, aphenolic compound, a (C1-C10)alkyl alcohol, an ether glycol, orcombinations thereof.
 136. A method of making an antimicrobialcomposition comprising an antimicrobial lipid component, an enhancercomponent, a hydrophobic vehicle, and a hydrophilic component, themethod comprising: dissolving the enhancer component in the hydrophiliccomponent; combining the hydrophobic vehicle and the hydrophiliccomponent with the enhancer component dissolved therein with mixing toform a mixture; optionally heating the hydrophobic vehicle to atemperature sufficient to form a pourable liquid before or aftercombining it with the hydrophilic component and enhancer component;adding the antimicrobial lipid component to the mixture; and cooling themixture before or after adding the antimicrobial lipid component.
 137. Amethod of making an antimicrobial composition comprising anantimicrobial lipid component, an enhancer component, and a hydrophobicvehicle, the method comprising: combining the enhancer component and thehydrophobic vehicle with mixing to form a mixture; optionally heatingthe hydrophobic vehicle to a temperature sufficient to make a pourableliquid before or after combining it with the enhancer component; addingthe antimicrobial lipid component to the mixture with mixing; andcooling the mixture before or after adding the antimicrobial lipidcomponent.
 138. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 1 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 139. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 17 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 140. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 18 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 141. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 19 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 142. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 20 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 143. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 21 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 144. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 22 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 145. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the esophageal cavity with the composition of claim 23 in anamount effective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the tissuein the throat.
 146. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or both with the compositionof claim 1 in an amount effective to allow a sufficient quantity of thecomposition to pass down the throat to reduce or eliminate bacterialcolonization in or on the tissue in the throat.
 147. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the oral cavity, nasalcavity, or both with the composition of claim 17 in an amount effectiveto allow a sufficient quantity of the composition to pass down thethroat to reduce or eliminate bacterial colonization in or on the tissuein the throat.
 148. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or both with the compositionof claim 18 in an amount effective to allow a sufficient quantity of thecomposition to pass down the throat to reduce or eliminate bacterialcolonization in or on the tissue in the throat.
 149. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the oral cavity, asalcavity, or both with the composition of claim 19 in an amount effectiveto allow a sufficient quantity of the composition to pass down thethroat to reduce or eliminate bacterial colonization in or on the tissuein the throat.
 150. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or both with the compositionof claim 20 in an amount effective to allow a sufficient quantity of thecomposition to pass down the throat to reduce or eliminate bacterialcolonization in or on the tissue in the throat.
 151. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the oral cavity, nasalcavity, or both with the composition of claim 21 in an amount effectiveto allow a sufficient quantity of the composition to pass down thethroat to reduce or eliminate bacterial colonization in or on the tissuein the throat.
 152. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of thethroat/esophagus of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity, nasal cavity, or both with the compositionof claim 22 in an amount effective to allow a sufficient quantity of thecomposition to pass down the throat to reduce or eliminate bacterialcolonization in or on the tissue in the throat.
 153. A method ofdecolonizing at least a portion of the throat/esophagus of a subject ofmicroorganisms, the method comprising contacting the oral cavity, nasalcavity, or both with the composition of claim 23 in an amount effectiveto allow a sufficient quantity of the composition to pass down thethroat to reduce or eliminate bacterial colonization in or on the tissuein the throat.
 154. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 1 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 155. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 17 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 156. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 18 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 157. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 19 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 158. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 20 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 159. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 21 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 160. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 22 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 161. A method of decolonizing at least a portion of theoral cavity of a subject of microorganisms, the method comprisingcontacting the oral cavity with the composition of claim 23 in an amounteffective to kill one or more microorganisms in or on the soft tissue inthe oral cavity.
 162. A delivery system for an antimicrobial component,the system comprising a hydrophobic component and a hydrophiliccomponent, wherein the composition has a viscosity of at least 500 cps,and further wherein the hydrophobic component forms the greatest portionof the composition by weight.
 163. The delivery system of claim 162wherein the system further comprises an antimicrobial lipid component.164. A delivery system for an antimicrobial component, the systemcomprising a hydrophobic component, a hydrophilic component, and asurfactant, wherein the hydrophobic component forms the greatest portionof the composition by weight.
 165. The delivery system of claim 164wherein the system further comprises an antimicrobial lipid component.166. A method of delivering an antimicrobial component to a surface, themethod comprising applying to the surface a composition comprising anantimicrobial component, a hydrophobic component, and a hydrophiliccomponent, wherein the composition has a viscosity of at least 500 cps,and further wherein the hydrophobic component forms the greatest portionof the composition by weight.
 167. The method of claim 166 wherein theantimicrobial component comprises an antimicrobial lipid component. 168.The method of claim 166 wherein the surface is mammalian tissue.
 169. Amethod of delivering an antimicrobial component to a surface, the methodcomprising applying to the surface a composition comprising anantimicrobial component, a hydrophobic component, a hydrophiliccomponent, and a surfactant, wherein the hydrophobic component forms thegreatest portion of the composition by weight.
 170. The method of claim169 wherein the antimicrobial component comprises an antimicrobial lipidcomponent.